Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Who's Cooler, Jay Z or Jesus?
Who’s Cooler: Jay-Z or Jesus?
This is the question that popped up on my blackberry as a text message around 7 am on a recent Sunday morning. My first thought was that the question was rather shallow and even pointless, but as I sought for a reasonable answer, the depth and serious implications hidden beneath the surface of the question “hit” me.
My first impulse was to come to the defense of Jesus, but this question isn’t really about Jesus, rather, it’s says more about the culture in which we live. The question isn’t about what I personally think about either Jesus or Jay-Z. This question is about how, in our culture, Jay-Z has more influence than Jesus.
Here are some critical questions that must be raised in our comparison: “who has greater influence on our youth?” “Who’s in the headlines more?” “Who’s most likely to get a favorable review from the media?” “Who’s more attractive to our youth?” “Who’s most likely to attract financial resources for new projects?”
Anyone of reasonable honesty would have to admit that Jay-Z is certainly more popular and influential in our culture. However, the fact of the matter is that we are actually comparing Jay-Z with Jesus’ contemporary followers. Jesus, himself, is a much more invigorating and provocative figure than his followers. Let me give you a few examples.
Jesus took the risk of incarnation from heaven to earth. Confidence. Boldness. Passion. That’s cool…. Cooler than Jay-Z, in fact.
Jesus slept in the midst of a life-threatening storm! Confidence. Coolness. Strength. That’s ‘s cool.
Jesus took some of the least of society and changed the world. Cool. Way Cool.
Even in the midst of his worst trials, Jesus was able to stick to his values and show compassion for others. A crucifixion? No compromise. Crazy-cool!
What do YOU think?
This is the question that popped up on my blackberry as a text message around 7 am on a recent Sunday morning. My first thought was that the question was rather shallow and even pointless, but as I sought for a reasonable answer, the depth and serious implications hidden beneath the surface of the question “hit” me.
My first impulse was to come to the defense of Jesus, but this question isn’t really about Jesus, rather, it’s says more about the culture in which we live. The question isn’t about what I personally think about either Jesus or Jay-Z. This question is about how, in our culture, Jay-Z has more influence than Jesus.
Here are some critical questions that must be raised in our comparison: “who has greater influence on our youth?” “Who’s in the headlines more?” “Who’s most likely to get a favorable review from the media?” “Who’s more attractive to our youth?” “Who’s most likely to attract financial resources for new projects?”
Anyone of reasonable honesty would have to admit that Jay-Z is certainly more popular and influential in our culture. However, the fact of the matter is that we are actually comparing Jay-Z with Jesus’ contemporary followers. Jesus, himself, is a much more invigorating and provocative figure than his followers. Let me give you a few examples.
Jesus took the risk of incarnation from heaven to earth. Confidence. Boldness. Passion. That’s cool…. Cooler than Jay-Z, in fact.
Jesus slept in the midst of a life-threatening storm! Confidence. Coolness. Strength. That’s ‘s cool.
Jesus took some of the least of society and changed the world. Cool. Way Cool.
Even in the midst of his worst trials, Jesus was able to stick to his values and show compassion for others. A crucifixion? No compromise. Crazy-cool!
What do YOU think?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Resolution for Life
A Resolution for the New Year
I resolve to look for the presence of God in every situation and on every occasion.
Of course, I expect to encounter God in church (especially at New World Church!). I expect to encounter God through my favorite preachers and Bible teachers. I suspect that it’ll be pretty easy to discern the presence of God in prayer vigils and Bible classes. I thank God for giving us “places” where we can consistently and reliably meet Him and experience His empowering and life-giving presence. I thank God for the grace that allows us to have special places and special gatherings where He continuously shows up.
I am reminded, however, that God is everywhere (“omnipresent” is the word that Biblical scholars use). I recall the experience of Isaiah as recorded in chapter 6 of the book that bears his name, where he discovers that “the whole earth if full of the glory of God”! Paul quoted and affirmed the words of the poets of his day, “in God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28). God is everywhere, even in the places, people, and gatherings that appear to be the very opposite of the God we’ve come to know, love, and worship.
So, my project for this year, and really for the rest of my life, is to look for signs of God’s presence in every place and in every situation. I know that sometimes I’ll find it difficult to discern him because of my own limitations, fears, and prejudices. Yet, I know He’s there – in even the ugliest, darkest of places.
I’ll look, watch, and wait. If I get a glimpse of the glory, I’ll embrace it, celebrate it, and pray for the grace to become a vehicle for its expression and magnification!
I resolve to look for the presence of God in every situation and on every occasion.
Of course, I expect to encounter God in church (especially at New World Church!). I expect to encounter God through my favorite preachers and Bible teachers. I suspect that it’ll be pretty easy to discern the presence of God in prayer vigils and Bible classes. I thank God for giving us “places” where we can consistently and reliably meet Him and experience His empowering and life-giving presence. I thank God for the grace that allows us to have special places and special gatherings where He continuously shows up.
I am reminded, however, that God is everywhere (“omnipresent” is the word that Biblical scholars use). I recall the experience of Isaiah as recorded in chapter 6 of the book that bears his name, where he discovers that “the whole earth if full of the glory of God”! Paul quoted and affirmed the words of the poets of his day, “in God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28). God is everywhere, even in the places, people, and gatherings that appear to be the very opposite of the God we’ve come to know, love, and worship.
So, my project for this year, and really for the rest of my life, is to look for signs of God’s presence in every place and in every situation. I know that sometimes I’ll find it difficult to discern him because of my own limitations, fears, and prejudices. Yet, I know He’s there – in even the ugliest, darkest of places.
I’ll look, watch, and wait. If I get a glimpse of the glory, I’ll embrace it, celebrate it, and pray for the grace to become a vehicle for its expression and magnification!
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