A Message From Our Pastor, Dr. John B. Barker

The Dead Sea Scrolls continue to fascinate us. The Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC received fragments as a donation from the owners of Hobby Lobby, who paid six million dollars for them. Whether they are clever forgeries or are the real thing is now being decided.

Other fragments have some interesting predictions according to an unnamed, unidentified , but “noted biblical historian.” According to this scholar, “All of these predictions will surely happen because they are foretold in the Dead Sea Scroll.”

For instance: “A UFO spaceship’ with voyagers from another planet will crash land ‘in the bosom of the mighty power’ of the world—and bring greetings of peace from other universes. Researchers say the aliens will land at the U.S. Capitol to meet with American lawmakers.” Given Trump’s stand on illegal aliens, that should make for must watch television. I wonder if he will want another wall?

“Elvis’ gave will be dug up—and found to be empty! Scholars base this shocking prediction on this Dead Sea Scroll passage: ‘A great hue and cry shall erupt the world over when the tomb of a beloved minstrel shall be found barren.’” If that happens, my Easter preaching should be a lot easier, given an empty tomb.

“Communication with the dead will be possible via new cell telephones that can reach the spirit world. The miraculous innovation will prove once and for all that our deceased loved ones are not really dead at all—but just living in another place without their bodies.” Wow! See note from preceding prediction! Question, though, how do the dead get a cell phone? What is heaven and hell’s area codes? Will my friends and family plan cover these calls? Will my old flip phone let me talk with dad or do I need a new Iphone?

“Scientists will discover a vaccine for the common cold.” Now, that would be nice.

Now, I don’t know what this coming year is going to bring. One thing I do know is that the news of “God With Us” means that even the most unknown, fearful, spectacular, uncertain, an chaotic things this new year presents are part of God’s plans. Christ has been born. You may trust this Lord of life and death, and realize God has plans for this world and for you! We may not always be sure of what the next events have in store for us, but you may be sure of God. We can enter this year without fear and uncertainty. Emmanuel! God is with us!

  
JBB