CHANGE - from politics to gospel

CHANGE is the title of a current Fuji Television drama.

By next Monday (14 July), the story reaches its climax and the series ends.

The story is about how Keita Asakura, an elementary school teacher with no interest in and knowledge of politics, ended up as the youngest ever Japanese prime minister.

Because Asakura has no interest in projecting himself as an important politician, he relates to people in a genuine manner, without any front or pretense, giving equal respect to important ministers, little children and fishermen alike. His lack of experience in the political arena also means that he sees issues differently and relates to these issues as an ordinary citizen would.

Asakura is the Everyman-Prime Minister.

"I am just like all of you! " He said in his campaign speech, "As a politician, I promise to stand shoulder to shoulder, to see things from the viewpoint of the man in the street and to act accordingly."

In many ways, this is the message that God wants us to hear when he came as a human (Jesus) to live among us. He sees life from our viewpoint, he stands shoulder to shoulder with us, and therefore he knows our tears and laughter, hopes and fears.

He relates to us as one of us, human to human, loving both the poor and downtrodden as well as the rich and mighty in society.

CHANGE reflects what the Japanese people want in a leader. At a deeper level, it might also reflect what they would really like to have for a god, the ultimate leader - one who is a friend, who understands and gives everything he has to help them, and who does in fact effect change.

Our God is able to answer all the hopes and desires expressed in CHANGE. Pray that we will be able to communicate just such a piece of wonderful news to those who and longing and waiting.