1413. “YeshuaTube”
(It’s guest post Friday! Here’s one from Chad Nelson. You can check out his blog or follow him on Twitter. If you want to write a guest post for SCL, here’s how!)
“YeshuaTube”
I got some great insight into our culture the other day from my young buddy and radio co-host Ford Garner. We were discussing the prospect of Jesus among us in 2013 and, since he is 19 and connected, I trust his judgment on all things pop culture.
Brief editorial interlude: Ford is a licensed minister, former Homecoming King, Chamber of Commerce “Student of the Year,” in-demand evangelist, college student, middle school youth leader, radio host and has 2000+ Facebook friends. Again, he is 19. The Facebook thing is probably impressive (I’m 42 so no real grasp of the significance), but I am pretty sure my accolades at 19 began and ended with “Most Likely to Waste Money.” Mission accomplished, Mom.
Anyway, we looked around at society and, more specifically, church culture. In fact, we discussed an entire YouTube channel devoted to such things for future generations to see how Christ fit in our lives in 2013. Welcome to YeshuaTube (we like to keep it real).
Scene: Jesus is teaching the masses when, suddenly, someone stands and shouts, “Turn the water into wine again Jesus!” as the audience roars its approval. Five fat hairy guys on the front row pull off their tattered tees and reveal the letters J E S U and S across their substantial bellies. As we pan the audience and do that cool Google Earth flyback, we see the same people who attend a Larry the Cable Guy show dying for the first “git’r done” and nod their approval every time David Platt utters “radical”. Wannabe disciples argue over whether Joel Osteen or Rick Warren has a better grasp on our earthly wants and expectations, and show their allegiance with retweets of deep-sounding thoughts. No idea what the name of this video will be but, rest assured, it includes a sweet play on words that references a cool catchphrase or logo. Maybe a Mountain Dew-like image with “Jesus Dew It!” hidden in it.
Scene: Jesus walking among us at the mall. He moves slowly through the pressing crowds as a very sickly young girl reaches for his faded cloak and is healed immediately. As the King of Kings turns to ask who touched His cloak, a cap-sporting mom rushes to His side to ask if He’ll make her son Beckham taller and faster. Before anyone can shout “You da man!” to the Prince of Peace, people line up to sit on His lap and ask for Netflix gift cards and better cell coverage. Leaning toward “4G Serve Us, Jesus?” on this one.
Finally, because old school is the new new school (follow me for a sec), we put some OT on YT (um, Old Testament on YeshuaTube).
Scene: Moses (perhaps played by the inexplicably busy Channing Tatum) stands before the Red Sea after leading hundreds of thousands from the clutches of oppressive Egyptian rule. He raises his staff triumphantly (as Adele hits stride on the background track) and begins to pray out loud for the sea to part when, suddenly, he is tapped on the shoulder by a serious-looking man. “Moses, did you get the joint approval of the Sea Parting Committee and Slave Benevolence Committee?” Before Moses can utter a word, another voice is heard from the masses, “Not everyone wants to cross so unless we re-vote unanimously, we need to turn around and head back.” As Channing, er, Moses, looks up with perplexed frustration, the Israeli ushers begin to dismiss the group, row by row, until everyone is marching back toward slavery. Calling this one “I Went to the Red Sea and All I Got Was This T-Shirt.”
Jesus was, is, and always will be the Savior of the world. Perhaps this is the year we stop treating Him like a celebrity or Santa or even a committee concept and more as a purpose for our lives. If not, count on YeshuaTube to keep it real.
What are your video ideas?
For more great writing from Chad, check out his blog!