Viral

            I recall that there were two words to describe the spreading of disease. One was “bacterial” and the other one was “viral.” The terms denoted if a disease was caused by a bacteria or a virus. The two “germs” were different and different medicine had to be used in order to combat either one of them. The term “viral” has taken on a new meaning in the present culture. It can now refer to a large number of people who view and respond to a certain piece of information such as a picture, an article, a song, or any other type of information. We often hear of admonitions from someone to help make this go “viral.” The action can take place in both good and bad situations and the result can either be good or bad. Social media has become the platform for making things go “viral.” What a shame that it has been so. Acts 17:6 says, “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;” 

            There was this situation back in the early days of the church when the gospel began to be spread throughout the civilized world. The Apostle Paul and his team had been quite successful in planting and nurturing churches in Asia Minor and now heading into Europe. The accusers at this setting in Acts 17 called them “...These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” Being “viral” would not have been known in those days and so the common term for something that was spreading was “turning the world upside down.” The power of the Holy Spirit was quite evident among the disciples in those days. Jerusalem was estimated by two historians as being between 600,000 and 1,100,000 people. In Peter's first sermon, three thousand souls were added to the church and his second sermon resulted in five thousand souls being added. From then on, they didn't count the number but said it was a great amount. Yes, the gospel was being spread in a remarkable manner. It was supernatural. It was under the power of the Holy Spirit. If we were then, we could say that that the Gospel message had gone “viral.” Most of that which is going viral these days is spreading hatred and violence Photos and videos can skillfully be manipulated to show something other than that which really happened. Years ago, we saw an example of this in the movie “Forest Gump” where he is present in a variety of settings and with many famous people, none of which were true. What is true and trustworthy today? What is it that should be going “viral?” The power of the church has faded over the years and is almost non existent in today's culture. The Holy Spirit has not left us. The same power is available today as it was in the days of the early church. One of the greatest messages that should be going viral is the “empty tomb.” The message, “He is not here. He has risen as He said.” should be the one that is really going viral. We have new life because of the resurrection. We have a message to tell because of the resurrection. We have churches, hymn books, joyous music and a message to proclaim to the world because of the resurrection. The message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation has continuity and purpose because of the proof of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers today have forgotten the power of the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. The church today is not even turning its own neighborhood upside down or its own city upside down let alone the world itself. How about you and me? Are we part of turning the world upside down for Christ or are we making a ten pound zucchini more important than the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? Praise God today for the empty tomb.