One of America’s greatest past times is enjoying a good scandal. Scandals produce TV ratings…increase newspaper circulation…and get hits on web sites. But media outlets are only responding to the demand for dirt, and the more salacious the details…the more public the athlete, actor, spiritual leader or politician, the better.
In this “gotcha” voyeuristic society of ours, the general population gets a sort of perverse delight in the failings and foibles of others. Unfortunately, this anonymous peering into faltering lives never offers an encouraging word or a helping hand… but always an opinion,
Gazing onlookers or “you-tubers” access Hollywood and are rarely sympathetic or interested in the dignity of another’s privacy. After all, the public has a right to know (one of the great lies of our society) and public spectacles have become public sport
There are many reasons for the popularity of publicized scandals. One certainly would be that as it draws our attention to the problems of others, it de-emphasizes our own and at least for the moment makes them appear a bit smaller…bearable…manageable…excuseable… and so we welcome those who wear these badges of dishonor into our daily lives and feel a little better about our own halls of shame. But the thrill is fleeting .
Then, Colossians 2:15 invites us to celebrate one public spectacle that sheds light on this new identity of ours. It invites us to dance on the grave of the sin nature that shackled us...because the leg irons are gone …the code that demanded our execution has been stayed…the powers of darkness and Halloween that cast fear, have been cast out.
It’s the scandalous love of the cross.
Where a Savior was vilified…
Where the Son of God was crucified…
Where agape Love was magnified…
…and where powers and authorities were exposed to ultimate public humiliation
There are few things more satisfying than a breathtaking view. Whether you prefer the ocean at sunrise or the mountains at sunset, to be in the right place at the right time can be a rewarding experience, and what we’re told here is that the scenery has changed for those who are in Christ.
"15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
Enjoy the view!