Sharing Scripture — September 7, 2024

Texts: Mark 12:41–44, Mark 13, Daniel 9:24–27, Daniel 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18

What do a German warship blasting Darth Vader’s “Imperial March” and a LGBTQ+-inspired Olympic tableau have in common?

Last month, a routine supply stop went awry when the German warship Braunschweig cruised through London’s River Thames while blasting Darth Vader’s theme song. The ship instantly spiraled into viral infamy.

Damage control was pretty much unattainable by the time the news reached Germany. The nation’s navy addressed the spectacle, stating “The commander can choose the music freely. The choice of music has no deeper message.”

Despite the denial of the musical tune holding any distasteful meaning, the Braunschweig had arrived in London while broadcasting “London Calling” by The Clash. This cheeky coincidence was excused too; the commander just likes entertaining music.

Just as the Braunschweig’s commander drew from pop culture to “entertain,” the 2024 Paris Olympic organization committee invited drag queens and members of the LGBTQ+ community to draw on cultural symbols while presenting the opening ceremony.

Their tableau, while applauded by some, induced outrage among Christians who interpreted the display as a mockery of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” Thomas Jolly, the 2024 Paris Olympic artistic director, apologized for offending Christian audiences.

Yet, Jolly did not shirk from supporting the LGBTQ+ cast, addressing the criticism as a misinterpretation of French culture and Olympic origins.

Furthermore, Jolly’s committee clarifies that the portrayal was not of Jesus and the disciples, but of the Greek Olympian gods as painted in Jan van Bijlert’s “The Feast of the Gods.”

Despite the uncanny resemblance to the 17th-century painting, the Parisian display continues ruffling feathers in Christian circles.

Could the scene have been intended to hold multiple meanings?

Whatever the reasons behind the Braunschweig’s “Imperial March” and the carnally indulgent tableau, people of faith perceive these incidents as signs of the last days.

Jesus’ dire warnings in Mark 13 can be interpreted as literal signs that will occur before the end of the world. However, many forget the fact that Jesus’ descriptions were prompted by the disciples remarking on the state of the temple in Jerusalem.

Was Jesus addressing what would happen to the temple? The world? Or both?

We can deduce that the answer is “both” when we let the Bible interpret itself. But beware, for that is easier said than done. After all, across the Christian spectrum – from fierce progressives to stringent traditionalists – believers claim sola scriptura.

How is that possible?

We each have our own experiences and cultural contexts filtering the lens through which we read. That, of course, informs how we read the Bible.

So how can we truly be ready? Especially when not even the Son knows the day or the hour?

Signs are important.

But more importantly, we need to first yield our hearts to God, for doing so will lead us onto the straight path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Through the Christocentric molding of our hearts, combined with sincere and earnest Spirit-led searching of the Scriptures, we will be kept alert.

Sharing: Many Christians from various denominations pray for the Spirit’s guidance in interpreting the Scriptures, and yet not all interpretations align (consider the food laws). How can this be?

1. The Spirit gives different interpretations to different people
2. The prayers weren’t genuine/sincere so the studies weren’t Spirit-led
3. God reveals the truth to only a select people
4. Satan interferes
5. The Spirit guides us when it comes to important things that impact our salvation; other issues can be up to our personal convictions
6. Other:

Applying: “The world is no more ready to credit the message for this time than were the Jews to receive the Saviour’s warning concerning Jerusalem. Come when it may, the day of God will come unawares to the ungodly. When life is going on in its unvarying round; when men are absorbed in pleasure, in business, in traffic, in money-making; when religious leaders are magnifying the world’s progress and enlightenment, and the people are lulled in a false security—then, as the midnight thief steals within the unguarded dwelling, so shall sudden destruction come upon the careless and ungodly, ‘and they shall not escape.’ ”—The Great Controversy, p. 38.

How can you convey this dire message to people who do not yet know Jesus? Discuss with your small group and/or pastor/chaplain, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you when the opportunity to share arises.

~ Stefani Leeper

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