Why are so many of us hooked on tabloid newspapers and reality TV?  Is it because we secretly, or not so secretly, love to know what really goes on behind closed doors?  Isn’t it true that we are fascinated by the ‘private’ lives of others (and the more dirt that can be dished about them the better)?

 

Reality TV shows, like Big Brother, allow us to observe (like flies on the wall) how people, from Joe Public to Jordan, behave in all sorts of situations.

 

The more shocking their behaviour and the secrets they reveal, the higher the ratings. And the participants just don’t seem to care.  The prospect of fame (or infamy) seems to enable them to say and do just about anything in front of millions of viewers.  Would you be prepared to put yourself on such public display?  I know I wouldn’t.

 

There has only ever been one man whose life could bear intense scrutiny. For 3½ years this man’s life was examined in detail and no flaw was found.  In fact, His critics were so shown up by the exemplary way that He lived, and the authority with which He spoke, that they decided that He must be eliminated.  At His trial the Judge could find no fault in Him. Nevertheless, for political reasons, he sentenced Him to death.

 

Who was this unique person?  None other than Jesus Christ.  His perfect life proved that He truly was God’s Son.  It also qualified Him to take the terrible punishment we deserved for our wrongdoing.  Christ’s death on the cross means God can now pardon anyone who sincerely asks Him to forgive the wrong in his or her life.

 

Maybe you don’t feel that you need to be forgiven.  The Bible, however, says, “All have sinned”.  Unless you have experienced God’s forgiveness He will one day call you to account for your wrongdoing.  Why not, therefore, take this opportunity to have the slate wiped clean forever and to know for yourself new life this Easter?