Long-Awaited Messiah to Announce Location of Birth During Primetime Special

It seems as though the entire Middle East is abuzz with news of the impending announcement of the birthplace of the Messiah. Speculation has run rampant for years that the Messiah would be coming, with anticipation building to a fever pitch. With all the hype and excitement, a primetime announcement only makes sense. Reports are that scores of angels are being lined up for the special and will contribute a song specifically in tribute to the Messiah himself. People from all over the world are convening on Israel, awaiting word of the Messiah's birthplace.

Any number of Jewish towns are vying for the right to claim the Messiah as their own.

Jerusalem has long been considered the frontrunner, as it is the mecca of the Jewish culture. A top official in Jerusalem had this to say: "We believe this is the place the Messiah belongs. There is nowhere else in all Israel where his brand will flourish like it will in Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been preparing for years for the opportunity to be the birthplace of the Messiah--primarily by killing all their prophets to make space for him.

Bethlehem is another contender, though there is some concern that the Messiah wouldn't want to follow in David's footsteps. "Bethlehem is known as David's town, and for the Messiah to choose to be born there, well he'd have to suffer through endless comparisons," noted one Jewish historian. "Bethlehem itself is a small market, and might not draw the global attention of a world-class city.

Other possibilities include: Shiloh, with its storied Jewish history; Caesarea, with its beach-side location; and Bethel, where the possibility exists that he could team up with other noted Jewish leaders in an effort to oust the Romans.

The wild card in this is Michael the Archangel, who is said to be the closest man to the Messiah in his decision-making process. According to several reports, leaders from all over Israel have been sending prayers up to Michael, hoping to lobby perhaps one of the most influential voices in the final decision.

In the end, however, it will all be up to the Messiah himself. Will he choose the glory of Jerusalem, the legacy of Bethlehem, or some other hitherto unknown location? Check in with us this Thursday at primetime here at JSPN, Jewish-Sadducee-Pharisee-Network, your leader in messianic news, Mosaic law updates, and up-to-the-minutes results in the latest casting of lots.

A Discipleship Primer

I think if I were returning to Ball State again this year with Cru, there is one book I would have my guys read to begin discipleship. It is a book that explores the depth of the human soul and the nature of true spirituality. It asks questions about what is the nature of truth, beauty and love--and how those virtues are manifested in relationships. It discusses the realities of the existence of God, suffering, grace, justice and forgiveness. The book? Why The Brothers Karamazov of course.

In bullet form, these are the reasons I'd have my guys read this book first:

1. It's long. It takes commitment to finish. If they are willing to work through Karamazov then they might be willing to work through their sin and pursue spiritual growth.

2. Ministry is about people. Karamazov at its core is also about people. It is about people in all their sin, suffering and glory. There are few books that do a better job describing the reality of life in a fallen world, with fallen people, in the presence of God than this book.

3. Reading Karamazov would hopefully show my guys that one can learn much truth about God and people from the world around them. Most of the truth of God is not hidden away in thick theology textbooks; it is plainly evident before us in the people and world in which we live.

4. There are a ton of specific spiritual implications and questions that can be drawn from the book. Which brother are you like most often? Do you see attributes of any of the other brothers in you? What are the strengths and weakness of each of them? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What makes the difference between whether one is an Alyosha, Dimitri, or Ivan? Etc.

Since I'm no longer there to make them do it, I'll probably just suggest to my guys to read it on their own time. But I mostly post this to point out a truth that I'm presently learning--that the truth of the gospel is often found most clearly and potently in the places you'd least expect it.

We are Katy Perry

Exhibit A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4UWiSWunaM

Exhibit B: http://www.theworldforgot.com/twf/mp3/Katy%20Perry%20-%20Electric%20Feel%20%28Acoustic%20MGMT%20Cover%29.Mp3

Conclusion - Katy Perry is talented. 

The fact is she is a mainstream hit machine, with lyrics and music mostly decided for her. If indeed she did make the decisions herself, well, that's even worse.  But watching this video and listening to that MGMT cover, digging the jazz tempo, listening to her deep, soulful voice, and being frustrated by the absolute nonsense coming out of her mouth most of the time - i realized something.  We are all Katy Perry.

She has this great musical talent, but instead of producing great, meaningful, soulful music, she creates inane garbage.    How must God feel?  He's given us all this talent, all these passions and daily we waste it on shortsighted concerns.  We doubt ourselves, follow others advice rather than believing in what he's inherently made us. 

So, from this day forward, when I confronted with Katy Perry's hyper sexualized nonsense, I'll be reminded of just how much God has given us.