Jack's Back!

I must confess, I am a 24 addict. It took me a few years to get into 24, but once I started watching it on Netflix, I was hooked. I don’t know if it's the iconic ticking clock or the grittiness of the story, but I can't seem to get enough of Jack Bauer.

And I’m not alone, as the latest ratings show that I was joined by more than 8 million other viewers during the two hour 24: Live Another Day premiere on May 5th. My Monday nights now revolve around what is happening on Fox at 9:00PM, as I don’t want to be left out of the conversation on Tuesday. I need to know how Jack will, once again, save the world from evil terrorists who have no problem making innocent people suffer in an effort to right perceived wrongs.

As I sit in front of my TV mesmerized by the real time activity, I start to identify with Jack and his desire to protect others, even if it means sacrificing himself physically and emotionally. I think this is what makes Jack (and 24) so engaging – the idea that people want to see good prevail even if it means doing something wrong to get the job done. In Jack's case, he has no problem physically threatening a suspect, lying, or even non-fatally shooting a random protester in order to create a diversion. While this makes for good TV, it also reinforces a flawed belief about people – that we are inherently good.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the church in Rome: “For Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) You see, the truth is that people are not inherently good, and we don,t all want to do the right thing. If you need proof, just look at children. I know that my three sons have all, at one time or another, exhibited our sinful nature (and if you ask my parents, I did too). A simple question like, "Is your homework done?" will be met with a lie. Why? It's not as if I will punish them; I'll only insist that they get it done. Yet, if my boys want to do something else, they may choose to lie rather than do the assignment. This is our true human nature.

Thankfully, God knows us intimately and loves us limitlessly. He sent His son Jesus to die on a cross for our sin and rise again to conquer death so that we can have a restored relationship with God through our belief in His Son. He declares this clearly in John 3:16: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT) and promises salvation in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NLT)

While Jack Bauer may live another day on Fox, we have the opportunity to live every day through Christ. And while Jack is only around for a 12-episode special event, Jesus is here for eternity. Why not consider putting your life in the hands of the Saviour?

Written by Richard Pease
Divisional Controller