Jack Is Back.

A new day, a new Bauer. That is the tagline for the new season of 24 that began last night. If you read my blog about "24 Redemption" back in November, you know that I am an avid 24 fan. In fact, I just completed my DVD collection of the first five seasons... so if anyone wants to borrow them I am willing to loan them out (Season six was the weakest and I am comfortable not owning that one)!

The new season looks very promising... from the first two hours. Much of what has come to be expected of 24 has been revamped. There is no longer a CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit), the show takes place in Washington DC (Not LA), and there are lots of new faces including a female President (Are they trying to predict the future again?). One thing that hasn't changed is that many people are still questioning Jack Bauer and not listening to his judgment calls. And, even though they won't say it, Jack is being employed by the FBI on a "provisional basis" for the day (hmmm.... sounds familiar). As always, the purpose of the day is for Jack Bauer to save the world from the bad guys.

I am excited for all the new changes, which most likely are in place to correct the short comings of season six (Not to mention the addition of Renee Walker who is totally cute and totally going to hook up with Jack!). It will be interesting to see how all the varying plot lines play out, but the first two hours have raised many questions that leave the viewer wanting more... I will be on my couch with Chinese food at 7:00 tonite and every Monday night from here until May.

One of the greatest strengths of 24 has been their ability to comment on and mirror current events. With torture a hot topic in the political realm these days, the show decides to open Season Seven with Jack at a Senate hearing for his use of Guantanamo tactics to obtain information. Later in the show Jack comments that two worlds have been created: "Our world, and the people we are trying to protect... we owe them the truth." This is why Jack Bauer is the most intriguing and honorable character on television and why so many people are drawn to him: he is a man of honor who we will always take at his word (something he doesn't give lightly). I recently read an article which Kiefer Sutherland (Now an exec. producer of the show) gave to TV Guide. In the interview he admitted that Season Six got "off the mark." But, he said that he "still believes in Jack Bauer." I think America, as many points of debate that come our way, is looking for a hero like Jack Bauer who loves his country and is willing to "adapt" to the changing times and do what is necessary to protect America.

Funny, but I think that Kiefer's sentiment is shared by those of us who are in ministry. The greatest task of the 21st Century Church is to adapt so that it can effectively minister in the new cultural surroundings. In addition, just as Bauer's line of work can get messy so can ministry. It is not always easy to to the right thing or the thing that the Lord is calling us to do, but it necessary. Sometimes people get hurt. Sometimes we make mistakes... but thank God for his GRACE! The tagline mentioned above was "A new day, a new Bauer." Through Jesus' forgiveness we are made new, despite our failings. As ministers we place our hope, not in Jack Bauer, but in the figure that he may symbolically represent, Jesus Christ. I will forever be amazed and grateful for what Jesus did on the cross. He did what it took to save us... he satisfied the wrath of God, took away our sin, defeated sin, hell, death, and Satan through his atoning work and made us new! Because of the cross we are secure and sure of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Jack Bauer may be a great hero... but Jesus is the ultimate hero.

Watch 24... and think about what Jesus did on the cross as you watch.