One of the things I dislike about television weather coverage is the emphasis of fear they place in the context of it. Every winter I can count on a “Snowmageddon” or “Winterblast (insert current year here)” being promoted as reasoning for why we should tune in and pay attention. We are then treated to another side story about how to survive if your power goes out, if your vehicle is stranded, etc.
We are too often subjected to sensationalism and a celebrity driven culture that’s more interested in voyeurism or oppression through fear than building each other up or teaching others in the right way to live.
Don’t get me wrong. Preparedness is important. I would never undervalue that fact. But at the same time, I take offense to the way we are playing to natural human fears and anxieties. Then again, which headline would prompt you to pay the most attention?
- “Winterblast 2015 to Bring Snow, Sleet and Big Mess in the Morning” or
- “Snow Storm Coming Our Way”
Would You Come to See Jesus or Would You Come to See Lazarus?
Consider the case of Jesus raising an already entombed Lazarus from the dead. Two possible headlines…
- “Nice Guy Says He’s the Messiah”
- “Dead Man Entombed For Days Lives Again”
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. – John 12:9
I suspect many – perhaps most – of us would find our attention fully attracted to the latter headline. I mean, really, how many people have we seen or heard of who have claimed to be be the Messiah or Savior over the years?
Every headline points to some form of impending doom and has us just enough on edge that we will pay attention. The question is: Are you prepared? Photo Credit: jazzijava via Compfight cc
It’s Natural to be Skeptical of Every Headline
We have to have evidence. We have to see it with our own eyes. So, of course, people wanted “signs” that Jesus was who he claimed to be. The raising of Lazarus was a final revelation clearly pointing to the big revelation – that Jesus is the one who gives life.
Ironically, not only does Jesus give his life so we may live, his raising of Lazarus from the dead sets into motion the events of his death.
I don’t think our culture is a whole lot different than it was when Jesus walked the earth when it comes to human nature. Yes, the world is vastly different, but we remain curious and broken creatures who like to know things, whether it be for our own self-preservation or for our own ego.
And yes, sometimes we’re looking for signs.
While we may laugh when we see yet another person make the assertion that he or she is Jesus and/or the “real” messiah, but someday Jesus will return. Regardless of which headline you prefer, let’s make sure we’re prepared.