Scripture: Luke 4:16-19
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Thought for the Day: If you’ve watched even five minutes of news the last 48 hours, you’ve probably heard about Miley Cyrus and her rather controversial performance on the MTV Video Music Awards. I must acknowledge that I did not watch the show live and have only viewed a few minutes of online video, but there was genuine discomfort even among those who are usually quite callous to the provocative and edgy material common to these events. Miley has come along way since her debut as Disney’s Hannah Montana, though we must all be cautious in our judgment of this young woman. How many of us, had we found ourselves a star at age 14, wouldn’t have allowed the fame to leave us with a big head and a broken heart. Movie stardom is not for children.
The Youth Ministry website for the Indiana United Methodist Church provided for me the most helpful analysis of the situation. The blog pointed out how Miley’s goal for the night was to be even more shocking than previous performances. The writer offered this insight: “Whether or not she achieved her goal is probably up for debate. However, I just can’t help but wonder how a person with so much potential wound up setting such low standards for herself.” That’s it! It is one thing to be shocking or controversial to make a point. Some of the great social movements in history have used what was deemed unacceptable to challenge the status quo, but the goal was always lofty. This performance, on the other hand, taught young people to seek purpose that has no ultimate value. It’s like having a dream to be the most raunchy, vulgar, violent, unethical or lazy. Even if you are an overachiever and do it brilliantly, is it really going to bring anything of value to society? If are youth see people pushing the envelope, let it be those who push for the sake of civil rights, better access to health care, respecting the dignity of all people or creating a more peaceful world. Let them dream as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed some 50 years ago.
Prayer: As Jesus invited us to join with him in reaching toward your great vision, O Lord, may I do so with a desire to reach further than those who came before me. Amen.
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