Breaking the News

Each week the news is filled with all sorts of information. Some items flow out of our mind as soon as they enter. Others stick with us for awhile. But a few events are etched into our memory, not only by what happened, but also where we were when we heard the news (and likely our reaction to that bit of news as well). Acts of terror, space shuttle disasters, weather-related catastrophes, and presidential assassinations (or attempts) are just a few of items over the past 50 years or so that stick with us forever. And a part of the reason these events stick with us is that we discuss, question, share concerns and/of frustrations, etc. with those around us. The reason? These events shake our very core...they alter our perception of the world and create a new reality.

So, imagine you were there nearly 2000 years ago when Jesus rose from the dead. We often consider this event so nonchalantly in our day, but I ask you, have you ever seen anybody come back from the dead? What about after having been dead for more than just a few hours, but rather days? Just like in our day, Jesus resurrection was BREAKING NEWS. But without Twitter, and Facebook, 24 hours news coverage, etc., the news took a little longer to break than it does now. But break it did because a new reality changed the perceptions of a lot of people, and is still doing so today.

Many events in history have captivated people and caused them to share their thoughts and understanding with others. But these events tend to be national, if not regional. Sure, some remain interested in international events, but most forget all but the most significant events beyond our own back yard, so to speak. But the resurrection of Jesus is altogether different. Having happened in a remote region of a powerful empire, this local news should have been forgotten quickly, but it was not. Why? Because this was truly BREAKING NEWS. A dead man had come back from the dead, after saying He would do it. The resurrection had occurred, but the story had to be shared. In other words, it was up to those who knew and believed to break the news to others. (This response was in contrast to their initial reactions. Click here for details.)

The question for us today is: do we believe? But let's get specific? Do you believe? If not, I encourage you to see that you are in company with those who were the first to break the news. (Again, click the link at the end of the previous paragraph to get more information.) However, if you do believe, then like the women, and the disciples, on that first day, we have some news to tell. If those first people had not broke the news to others, then we would likely not know it today. Thus, we must consider our need to break the news to others as well. The resurrection of Jesus IS the greatest news that has ever been told. If you believe that to be true, then imagine the opportunity because God has chosen you to be a part of the news team to break that news to others. But having been chosen, you still must respond? Will you break the news to others?

The news of the resurrection changed the world 2000 years ago. And it can do so today as well. So, let's go break the news to those who do not know, and remind those that do. After all, we are going to talk about some kind of news; let us make it worthwhile.