I have to tell you, I love Glenn Beck. His creative energy is undoubtedly the envy of "talkers" everywhere. He is a machine - he just never quits.
So, it was with great anticipation that I tuned in to watch his show on the 15th of December to hear him live from Wilmington, Ohio. The first show was really good. It was touching to see him offer the gift of hearing to that little boy. Wow, what a moment. To say I was moved would be an understatement.
Unfortunately, he was unable to broadcast the second show. Apparently, there were technical problems that killed the live stream to Insider Extreme members. No problem. I'll look at it on demand tomorrow, which is what their posting said would happen. However, the technical Grench stole that as well and the stream was delayed again. But then we heard the news from the Judge who was guest hosting for Glenn that the show would be aired Friday night. Great, I'll catch it then.
As Friday night rolled around we gathered around the TV to watch Glenn. The program was ok. It was not the "home run" the first live hour had been, but that is not the purpose of this opine. I am writing because I was disappointed with Glenn's language. I had to wonder where all that cussing came from.
After all, when something is billed as a Christmas show, one has a responsibility to make sure that the program and its language is appropriate for all ages. I know Glenn tries really hard to both share information and entertain the crowd. But to his credit, Glenn had already done his radio program, signed books, greeted people for hours, prepped his staff, done the first hour live, and then came out to a hot theater in a heavy Santa suit. He was probably exhausted, the rhythm just wasn't there, and old habits just appeared. That being said, I still believe that "cussin up a bluestreak" isn't the appropriate.
But again, to put this in perspective, Glenn Beck is probably the hardest working, most creative person in media. I enjoy Glenn Beck and will continue to enjoy his programs as much as ever.
And perhaps this is a good reminder to all of us that none of us is perfect save One. And maybe this is the perfect time of year to remember that. Maybe this is also the perfect time to remember that while Glenn is pretty good at telling us what is about to happen next, I know of another source that is even better than Glenn ... the Bible. Want to know just how good it is? Go to Isaiah, Chapter nine, beginning at verse six and continue through verse seven:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Seven hundred years before the birth of the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah said that blessed event would come to pass. He prophesied that this Messiah would be from the house and lineage of David and that he would establish His justice forever. Isaiah said that the “zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
So while we enjoy and are informed and animated by Glenn's passion for the truth, we need to remember who we are, and whose we are; and that when it is all said and done, there is only one Truth. May the zeal of the LORD bring to pass in you not just the knowledge of the Savior's birth, but even in these difficult and turbulent times, the peace that comes with the understanding that soon righteous government will return to this earth.
It is indeed overwhelming to think that Yeshua, the Creator of all things would humble Himself to the birth of a peasant, that we might be kings and priests forever with Him; and that from that rude, cold, and dark manger the world would find life, light and finally peace that passes all understanding that brings joyous hope to an otherwise sad and broken humanity.
How great is our salvation … How great is our God … How sure is the hope of those whose God is the Lord!
