Death has come to some and slipped by others this week.
Ruth. I’ve always been appalled by people who speak so freely about sex. Even if it’s private conversation, these people ought to be ashamed. Imagine my horror the first time I ever saw and hear Dr. Ruth Westheimer. A diminutive, precious Jewish lady with an accent talking about intimate activities on a talk show on television just about did me in. As a Babatist, I truly believe that discussing sex in any form or fashion would have hastened me to Hell. Sister Ruth, however, was free of such belief since her faith tradition doesn’t believe in Hell. Once I realized this, I secretly began to listen to her ramblings. Alarmed yet educated, I became empowered to call out sexual sin as I saw it in this world. Thanks to Sister Westheimer, I may never have been able to minister to some people had I not known about their distinct perversions. So, with her passing this week, I say rest well thou short little talker. May you be received into eternity. And may God refrain from asking you any advice. The thought of THAT just makes me upchuck.
Richard. In other noted obituaries this week, I must comment on the passing of Broth…uh….Sist…uh….Richard Simmons. I just about threw my Bible across the room upon my first sight of little Dickie. Who is this mincing pervert in a tank top? But the Lord spoke to me through His Word that I should not judge another. Once I became used to his, uh, manner, I saw the good that he was bringing to others by encouraging health, fitness and taking care of our bodies. Again, I found solace in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” That odd little man was fulfilling scripture by encouraging others to glorify the Lord with their fitness. Bless you, Richard, for your ministry. I still winced as you minced, but I will admit to sweating to some oldies in the privacy of my own home.
Revelation. I rarely wade into the scriptural morass that is the Book of Revelation. Frankly, I think John was high when he wrote it. There is just so much in there that just doesn’t make a lick of sense. However, I do know that it is instructive on the Last Days before the Apocalypse (which is a fancy way of saying “the end of the world”). So lately, I have tiptoed into those scriptures looking for some guidance on our current affairs. Are we in the time of the Antichrist? Are these truly end times? Are any of these biblical psychoses nigh? I haven’t seen 7 horsemen yet, but we’ve certainly experienced earthquakes and sun scorching the earth. The Lord led me to Chapter 13 where John speaks of “The Beast” who could be representative of Satan himself. Several verses really caught my eye, and I quote: “A Beast . . . emerges from the Sea, having one mortally wounded head that is then healed. The people of the world wonder and follow the Beast. The Dragon grants him power and authority for forty-two months. The Beast of the Sea blasphemes God’s name (along with God’s tabernacle and his kingdom and all who dwell in Heaven), wages war against the Saints, and overcomes them.” I don’t know about that “Sea” part, but some of this sounds strangely familiar. “Wounded head then healed,” “people follow,” “granted power.” And 42 months is just shy of a full political term. Let us pray.
