The Power of Words and Why May 21st Just isn't Funny

　

                     Words carry a lot of power. For years we've tried to combat that power with the saying, "Sticks and Stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me"; knowing fully well that they do; that a mother yelling at her "stupid" son, a classmate calling you "fat", a teacher saying "you're not going to make it far" or the enemy whispering "You're not worth it" not only hurts, but can hold you and have a lasting effect on you. For the weak as well as the strong words carry a lot of weight to them. Proverbs 18:21a says "The tongue has the power of life and death..." and I am sure we've all exhibited the 'life' and 'death' part at some time in our lives with the great outpouring that is the human mind. In the same vein we have life that is spoken into us; Jesus says to the Samaritan woman in John 4 "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life"; He tells His disciples ""I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6a); an angel utters to Mary Magdelene the words which are the foothold of our salvation in Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." Perhaps even the words spoken by friend in encouragement or a teacher who sees beyond who you are but who you can become. This is life.

         The video I posted above is not Christ-centered, in fact I believe it is supposed to be a motivational commercial promoting a consultation firm, however when I first stumbled upon it I was brought to tears. Granted, I am an extremely emotional person (prone to tears during commercials and music-videos), but there was something so powerful in the message of how a change of words alters people's perception of someone or someones situation. How that one ladies' conscious decision to not offer a temporary reprieve (like just tossing in spare change) but to help him in a way that completely changes his life (short of offering him a job; in another world this could of taken a very "Pursuit of Happiness" route and been okay) and the way he perceives it. The people who walked by the blind man will probably never look homeless or disabled people the same way again. Maybe they will stop to think about someones plight, or maybe they will be thankful for the gift that God has given them in life. You cannot stumble upon that and not be moved in some way.
　

         You see the picture above and as you read the words posted on here (after all a picture is worth a thousand words) you also are moved in some way. As a bible believing Christian my first point of reference is always Matthew 24:36 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." As evident biblical proof that no one, not ONE of us will know. As you continue to read this passage of scripture Jesus tells us that it will be like in the day of Noah where everyone went about their own business doing what they wanted until "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left." (v. 40-41) Jesus gives us further warning in the next few verses "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." He isn't telling us when, but He's telling us we have to be on our P's and Q's at all times. But Harold Camping and Family Radio are proclaiming the exact opposite, in fact they are 'guarenteeing' that they know (based on random mathematical formulas that they have contrived) the exact hour of judgement and claiming that the "bible guarantees it" as well.

      I have been reading a lot of blogs and articles from believers and non-believers alike and I've noticed that people are mainly focusing on judgement day, and those May 21st-ers that believe it to be tomorrow; with a huge sense of ridicule. I've read things mocking judgment day and the rapture, seen cartoons depicting Jesus in mocking, Camping's people as mindless drones and just a profound sense of ridicule for not only those believers but Christians in general. I even read about an atheist group that were throwing an all night and all day party on Sunday May 22nd for those "who no longer believe the hype". And that's why May 21st isn't funny. Because come May 22nd, these zealous people [Judgement Day believers]; who I believe love Jesus and look forward to being with the Father will wake up confused and disillusioned because what they have believed is false. What they ceaselessly campaigned for, given their hard earned money for, met with ridicule for.... is a lie. My heart weeps for those who will cease to believe in God, who will add to the many who mock Christians for our 'fairytales', but also for those who continue to believe in Family Radio. Who will wait for the next 'date' and continue to go without a home church (as they believe the time for churches to be over), fellowship with the brethren, or perhaps without a full understanding of the bible in which they proclaim. My heart weeps for those who will fall further and further from the flock; who will lump all Christians together and mock this agenda as one of the entire body. In the days after 'judgement' Christianity is going to take a big hit, our faith will be put up to the test; which is perhaps a good thing and is all in His plans. Who can understand the mind of God after all? I know that God can even take this situation and make it for the good of His people, but still my heart cries out for those who May 21st will truly be their reckoning. There is power in words- life and death- as the bible says, and I will blatantly say here that Harold Camping is abusing the power he wields. One can only pray that too much death does not flow out. And that isn't funny.


xoxo
Priscilla