National prayer service--what was that?

Tuesday, January 22, 2025

I just tried to watch the National Prayer Service, and all I have to say is, what was that?

First, we had President Trump’s face before it started. This particular picture says, “I’m in church, and I have to fart. I hope no one notices.”

Then the thing starts with: “Oh, great spirit who lives in the sky.” That sounds like the beginning of a Norman Greenbaum song.

Then, we have some organ music that makes it sound like we are at a funeral rather than a time of worship. Following that, some people walk in, which is worth fast-forwarding. Then, we have some words I don’t understand because I can’t hear them, so I fast-forwarded that, too. Then they all repeat some stuff back to whoever is talking, which I also don’t understand. So far, the best thing I’ve heard is the national anthem. That actually sounded good.

Fifty-seven minutes into this, I remembered that it was an interfaith service. Now I know why it was so messed up. Oh well. I am halfway through it, so I might as well finish it. More organ music means it is time to fast-forward again, anyway.

Then we get to what sounds like the main message: a bunch of nice-sounding, empty platitudes that had to be inspired by a “Conexist” bumper sticker. All the talk of “unity” and “the outcasts” was basically the theme of this service, along with an emphasis on healing divisions. I am all for unity, as long as it is around someone or something worth unifying around. In a spiritual context, Jesus said he did not come to bring unity to all people, but rather division (Luke 12:51). The ones Jesus wants to be unified are his followers (John 17:21-24). Unity, for unity’s sake, is not a virtue. Again, it matters who or what one is unifying around. Look no further than God’s reaction to the Tower of Babel for his opinion on unity that does not fit within his expectations (Genesis 11:1-9).

John 1:12 addresses her repeated insistence that we are all God’s children. Not all people are God’s children. To all who receive Jesus and believe in his name, does God give the right to become his children.

The last thing I noted about that sermon or whatever it was was the talk about people fearful of being separated from their families. That is, no doubt, speaking of the mass deportations President Trump has proposed and plans to implement. I go back to the video I shared yesterday where Trump’s border czar said during a 60 Minutes interview last year that if families are worried about being separated, they can be deported together.

Illegal immigration impacts every facet of a country's citizens' lives, especially as a threat to national security. God created borders (Acts 17:26). Compassion should never be used to excuse lawlessness (Matthew 24:12; 1 John 3:4). The Antichrist is called the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Those who promote lawlessness are acting in the spirit of the Antichrist rather than Jesus Christ. National security and upholding the rule of law is part of God-ordained government. The primary function of those in authority is to punish evildoers. That’s why God calls them his agents of wrath (Romans 13:2-4).

Those are two hours of my life I will never get back. Oh, well. I hope you all enjoyed reading it. If you are a subscriber, thank you for subscribing. If you are not, please consider doing so. Until next time, whenever that will be, have a good one.