Vicarage thoughts.
 
March 9th 2010.

A singer /songwriter that I really admire is Martyn Joseph, his songs are intelligent, cutting and powerful. One of them is called Celebrity and here are a few lines from the song.

I’m a celebrity, tousled and vivacious.

I’m a celebrity, publicity voracious

I’m a celebrity, a mediocre icon

I’m adorable, especially when the mic’s on.

It’s a song that picks up on our obsession with the comings and goings of the celebrity culture. Everybody these days it seems wants to be famous, for (longer than 5 min’s), and everybody wants it to happen as quickly as possible.

During this time of Lent I am struck once again by the way Jesus deals with the temptation to fast track life. In the wilderness Satan was in effect dangling before Jesus a speeded – up way of accomplishing his mission.

He could win over crowds by creating food on demand, and then take control of the Kingdoms of the world, all the while protecting himself from danger with angels swooping down whenever any problems occurred. The temptation was to wear a crown but not a cross.

The temptations Jesus resisted, many of us still long for.

Lord Jesus Christ, desert dweller, help us during this time of Lent to accompany you . If we have grown soft, expose us to the toughness of your way. If we have grown lazy, cushioning our minds with easy thin thoughts, expose us to the rigour of your truth . Amen.

Geoff Boland