I finally watched Season One of “The Chosen” this spring. The historical drama portrays Jesus of Nazareth’s life. The first eight episodes highlight the beginning moments of the Lord’s public ministry.

Religious movies typically seek to balance Biblical accuracy with entertainment value. The 1997 film, “Jesus of Nazareth” came the closest to maintaining the dynamic tension in a creative way. Other works have not impressed me

Church members and staff encouraged me to watch the show. I binge-watched Season One, which inspired mixed thoughts and emotions:

• I celebrate the series introduced millions to Jesus’ story
• The core of the episodes preserves the Lord’s words and deeds.
  The writers took great dramatic license adding large amounts of non-Biblical content.
• The use of idiomatic English felt jarring.
• The show depicts Matthew with Asperger’s Syndrome, which provides an intriguing explanation for the first Gospel’s length and detail.
• The casting director appropriately chose non-white actors to portray Jesus and the disciples.
• Unlike other New Testament movies, the Roman soldiers did not speak with British accents!

“The Chosen” possesses poignant moments that touched my heart and soul; but much of the extra-Biblical material and character development fell flat for me.

Here’s my advice: if you like the series, read the Book.

A. A. Milne wrote about the whimsical exploits of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. They enjoyed adventures with a cast of colorful characters in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Tigger bounced through the forest with wild abandon and childlike glee. He saw the best in everyone and everything. Perhaps we shared his enthusiastic optimism as children, but the fallen world can beat the stuffing out of our souls.

Eeyore the rainy-day-grey donkey munched thistles and warned about earthquake weather. He possessed the uncanny ability to see the dark lining in every silver cloud. We too fight the temptation to see the worst in everyone and everything.

Hi, my name’s Bill Burch, and I am a recovering Eeyore. I struggle to cultivate an eternal perspective that spies God’s grace all about.

I preached a sermon during Lent about possessing the mind and attitude of Christ. The message boomeranged and convicted the preacher’s soul. I committed myself anew to focusing on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). I recite this verse regularly during my personal devotions, seeking to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  

Colossians 2:6-7 traces the Christian journey from salvation to sanctification. The passage describes disciples who are “overflowing with thankfulness.” The phrase inspires images of a tiered fountain filling from above and brimming over below.

Perhaps Piglet should be our Christian model. Milne wrote, “Piglet noted that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.”

This article appeared previously in the Northside Summer Quarterly Newsletter.

I spoke at a high school baccalaureate service in the 1990s. I have heard more than my share of boring graduation speakers, so I brought a camo fanny pack used for deer hunting. I discussed the meaning of the pack’s contents, including a whistle, compass, knife, bandage, and lighter.

My best friend and fellow pastor, Glenn Ethridge, developed the idea into a creative series of Graduate Sunday sermons. He dressed up as different characters each May and shared Godly wisdom with the congregation’s seniors.

I decided to borrow the idea back from Glenn at Northside Church. I have spoken to our high school seniors on the first Sunday of May wearing various guises:

• 2018    Camos and boots with my original 1990s fanny pack
• 2019    Two Atlanta Braves jerseys featuring a pro’s name along with my own
• 2020    Suit and tie delivering a David Letterman Top 10 List
• 2021    1970s, 100% polyester, bright orange, leisure suit
• 2022    State Farm’s Mayhem with black suit, tie-bar, bruises, and bandages

This year I feel the need for speed! Top Gun’s Maverick will appear at this Sunday’s Graduate Service. Check out the Northside Church’s social media platforms for videos starring yrs trly as Tom Cruise’s body double.

I hope you’ll join us onsite or online this Sunday, May 7 at the 9:00 Contemporary Service as we honor our seniors. Visit the church’s website for the live stream at www.northsideumc.org. The sermon will be archived for future viewing, too.

It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot.