The Social Network

Most will not be surprised to know that I haven't seen any of the films featured at the Golden Globes awards last night. We usually get to see 'good films' when they finally emerge on DVDs. But I do know that the major winner at last night's event was The Social Network, the film about Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.
I and many others have been following his rise and rise, and we are intrigued to know why the ideas of such a young man have been so astonishingly successful. Protesters in Tunisia describe how sharing information and images about their protests against the departed President has led to his departure. How can it be that when ideas are shared they have a power of their own?
I have been listening to You've Got the Time, from the Bible Society, over the last week. Hearing the whole of Matthew's Gospel in a few days has been an astonishing experience. As Jesus goes about preaching and teaching, healing and dealing with crowds and individuals, the news spreads by word of mouth. And the effects are amazing. 'Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”  Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared' (Matthew 8.1-3)
Today, all of us will be meeting people - either in reality or virtually - and we all have the power to tell a story of one sort or another which will influence others. I am challenged to think what sort of story it will be that I tell. My prayer is that in my social network, I can point to Jesus in a way that is authentic and compelling. I pray that too for you.
Best wishes,
Richard