Wikipedia informs me that Coke’s slogan for 2009 was “Open Happiness.” 2011 follows with: “Life Begins Here.” As I have traveled the world for 3 months now I am noticing one constant thing – Coke. Anywhere you go – from an upscale Moscow airport boasting lots of fragrant perfumes and expensive alcohol to a rundown Indian village with orphans and occasional electricity – there is always Coke. It may come in a new plastic bottle, an old recycled glass bottle or a small aluminum can…either way, it’s everywhere. And it’s not only Coke. It’s any Coca-Cola product. Eastern Europe has Cappy Juices made by the Coca-Cola Company. Here in India there is “Thums Up”, “Limca”, and “Pulpy Orange Juice” (made by Minute Maid, aka the Coca-Cola Company). Coke sells soft drinks, juices, they even sell water (Dasani)! Everyone in the world has the opportunity to enjoy a Coke! Down the stairs of our home and around the corner the nice Indian man will sell you a 600ml Coke for 26 Rupees…translation 58 American cents. Coke is available, affordable, adored in all nations near and far.
This whole thought process came about as we got home from ministry today and I asked Sarah and Kelly to walk with me to the corner to grab a drink. I usually go for Sprite or my new favorite drink – Limca, but today was just a Coke kind of a day. There was something appealing about it. Then when I got it in my hand I had a sort of epiphany. Coke rules the world. India has a trash heap across the street, sacred cows walking freely and men driving autos to try to feed their families – but there’s also Coke. I was still pondering and thinking as I walked up the 2 flights of stairs into our room. I knew this was worth blogging about even if I didn’t have the words yet. So, I whipped out my camera and took a picture of my cold, refreshing Coke in hopes of a future entry.
My teammates assumed I was crazy for taking a picture of a Coke bottle and were quick to inquire about my thoughts at the time. Here’s a paraphrase of what came out when I opened my mouth:
Do you realize that everyone in the world knows about Coca-Cola? Blank stares. I mean, everyone has access to Coke. They sell sodas, juices, water, everything. It’s a stinkin’ mammoth of an organization! Some agreement follows, but still a few looks of confusion as I haven’t yet made my point. Isn’t it crazy that all the nations of the world, the people of the world know about a beverage but there are still people who have never heard the name of Jesus?! How absurd! Realization that my thoughts have a point. Steve comments on Coke’s excellent marketing strategies.
What are we doing?! How can we get hyped up about a cup of carbonated syrup that helps “open happiness” and is where “life begins”, when we know THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE (John 14:6)? We know the One who offers a drink that promises us we’ll never thirst again (John 4:13-14)! Life doesn’t begin with a Coke, life is knowing the One True God (John 17:3). He isn’t where life begins. HE IS LIFE.
The people of India live in a dark, dark place. There are scary drawings of a horned creature that stay plastered on many houses and businesses to keep the evil spirits away. Cows are honored and lifted high as people are shunned and oppressed. Belief in reincarnation and karma, idol worship and superstition is what they look to for spiritual fulfillment. They place their hope in their own actions and circumstances when the True Hope is waiting to be their Savior and Life. What if they knew His Name? What if they knew His Love? What if they saw His Glory? What if they saw His Sacrifice? What if they felt His presence? What if they felt His Spirit? What if I told them of Jesus Christ? What if I prayed for revival in a weary and dry land? What if the entire nation was changed?
This month our team has had amazing opportunities to learn from the children here in India. We’ve been constantly surrounded by cute, tiny believers with big hearts. For the past few days Kelly has been leading the songs in our VBS time. One has really touched my heart and the last verse is especially hopeful and sweet: All around India, I’m gonna let it shine. All around India, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. To watch as the kids learn “Jesus Loves Me” for the first time and find such joy in playing games and doing fun crafts is a true blessing to me. These little children know the name of Christ. They are growing up in faith and will be the Shadrachs, Meschachs and Abednegos of our time. They will stand firm in a pagan land to honor and glorify the One True God over all the earth.
Coca-Cola has challenged me to make sure that I do whatever possible to spread the name of Jesus to a lost and dying world. How sad that we would allow the promotion of a “refreshing beverage” over the proclamation of the King of Kings. Jesus, forgive us and give us a new passion for your Name and your people. They are waiting to hear Lord, send us out!
"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."
-Isaiah 26:8
