Monday, April 22, 2013

Sensational

Have you ever wondered about the sensationalism in our world? If you have, you'll enjoy today's post. 

Please join me in welcoming Jon Stolpe, a fellow writer and guest blogger. His take on this topic will enlighten you. You can find out more about Jon at the bottom of the page.

It's a pleasure to have you, Jon!

 



Sensational

   By Jon Stolpe 
 
 
The events of the last week had many of us glued to our televisions, radios, newspapers, and news websites. Every twist and turn in the Boston Marathon Bombing was broadcast through the news and amplified through social media until Friday night when the second bombing suspect was captured. I’ll admit it. I was sucked into the story.
The story was sensational. The Boston Marathon Bombing caused great public interest and excitement.
What other events come to mind when you think of the word sensational?
I think of the Space Shuttle accidents, September 11th, the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, the death of Princess Diana, the wedding of Prince William and Catherine, the Super Bowl, natural disasters, and presidential elections.
In our media saturated world, it’s easy to quickly sensationalize an event. Within moments, people around the world know about events happening on the other side of the planet. It’s a natural human response to place our attention on these types of events.
I wonder how the world would respond today if Jesus came to earth in our present age. Would we have noticed the baby born in a manger? Would an Amber Alert go viral when Jesus went missing after his family visited Jerusalem? And how about the miracles that he performed? Do you think he would have had the paparazzi chasing him through the streets of Jerusalem and the Israeli countryside? How would his trial, crucifixion, and resurrection have been portrayed?
It’s hard to know these answers for sure, but I would speculate that the story of Jesus would probably be misunderstood and misconstrued today just as it was two thousand years ago.
If you read the gospels, you would think that Jesus’ story is worthy of sensationalism (great public interest and excitement). But here’s the reality. Jesus seemed to skirt away from the center stage. Instead, he was intent on spreading his message through a relatively small group of men and women. And he led through humility—with a servant’s heart.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2: 3-11 NIV).
This is not the kind of person or event that is considered sensational in the world today. Sure, we occasionally hear stories of people doing good things, but the news is typically filled with violence, tragedy, or a pursuit for stardom.
But I would argue that the story of Jesus deserves great public interest and excitement. As followers of Christ, it’s our privilege and responsibility to share this excitement with others.
So here’s my question: Do you think the story of Jesus should be considered sensational? What can you and I do to share this excitement with others?
More About Jon: Jon Stolpe is passionate about small groups, missions, family, marriage, parenting, and Philadelphia sports. Jon is also a writer and blogs daily at Jon Stolpe Stretched. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wonderful wife, Leanne, and their two kids. Connect with him on TwitterFacebook or his blog.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

17 comments:

  1. Thanks for the opportunity to share here today, Deborah!

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  2. Great words of wisdom, Jon. Thanks for sharing.

    V

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  3. I loved the way you looked at the greatest event in history from our modern perspective. I'm afraid though that with the media the way it is, the whole thing might have been played down. Alas. God seems to like the slow and steady way of sharing the sensational one person at a time.

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    1. Thanks, Carol! Our God is definitely relational. He wants a relationship with you and me.

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  4. Wonderful article. Yes, Jesus is and has been misunderstood in all times. And yes, Jesus did favor the personal approach to sharing about Himself and His ministry. Right, indeed.

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  5. Such great thoughts, Jon. It is interesting to ponder what would happen in the news and courts if Jesus came today. Thanks for this thoughtful post.

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  6. It's my opinion that just the very mention of Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior, should provoke sensational headlines, but it's difficult to find His name mentioned outside of the church today, except in many instances in a negative way.
    Fortunately for us Born-again Christians, He knows who we are.
    Thanks, Jon, for your insite.

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    1. Thanks, Patricia. The beauty is that God's timing is perfect.

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    2. Thanks for coming by, Pat! I appreciate it.

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