“Dad! They haven’t touched their food!”
Our family was dining at a restaurant and our tables were packed a little closer than we preferred. We were seated next to another young couple and although we could not hear their conversation, we did not need to, we saw it. For the next hour, barely a word was exchanged between them as they each took pictures of the restaurant and their dishes, immediately posting on social media sites and text messages. It was several minutes later when they both embarked upon eating, but not wasting the opportunity, they each held their food in a fork or spoon with one hand and deftly maneuvered their smartphones to capture the event through video and still shots. Their text was insightful.
#Awesome Food!#
Texting and social media have transformed the way we communicate with others. However, when it replaces actual voice conversation, a slippery slope has been engaged. It is the current social currency, enamored with letting others know first that one is participating in an event before taking the time to enjoy it for oneself or even understanding its true significance. The breadth of the experience can be shared through photographs, videos, and texting, but the depth can only be fully experienced as an emotional bond between the participants when the conversation is engaged.
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
John 6:15 (ESV)
In this Bible passage, Jesus Christ had performed the miracle of feeding over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. If this event occurred in today’s digitally connected world, social media sites would be overwhelmed with postings. Jesus eschewed the obvious sensationalism of the event and took the time to impart the true significance, the depth of the meaning of the event. He knew the people were completely focused upon the breadth of the event, even desiring to crown Him King. Jesus avoided any effort to undermine the true significance of the event. In a conversation with His disciples, immediately following the miracle, Jesus said,
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.
John 6:35-36 (ESV)
If I was texting about the event, I would post the same text as the young couple, completely mesmerized by the sheer spectacle. Thanks be to God that He not only delights my eyes and senses but cares for my soul and relationship with Him.
#Awesome Food!#
Indeed it is!
Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 