There is a difference between what a journalist does and what an editor does.  A journalist writes a story.  Vaguely based on truth but it is the story.  An editor writes the headline to that story.  And often, the headline bares no resemblance to the story as it is written to attract attention.

Often a story could have different headlines.

So, for example, in Genesis 45:4-6, after a challenging life, we see two headlines as Joseph’s brothers kneel before him requesting food.  There is the headline in Verse 4 that says “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And then there is the headline in Verse 5 that says ‘…it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.’

The same story, different headlines.

In 1999, Taiwan had that huge earthquake.  The story does not change.  The facts are the facts.  The headlines are 7.7 magnitude earthquake.  29 missing.  Over 11,000 injured.  Nearly 52,000 building destroyed.  Nearly 54,000 buildings damaged.  2,415 people killed.

People questioned God.  ‘Where is God?’

There is a headline.

YET, THERE ARE OTHER HEADLINES TO THE SAME STORY:

The Salvation Army responded, as The Army always does, and appointed a couple as Envoys

in the area.  They provided food, clothing, counselling and brought the comfort of the Gospel to that area.

Today, only 21 years later, Majors Jenny & Jonah are Salvation Army Officers.  They have planted a thriving Corps in Puli.  Planted two more Outposts, one Opening Fire in January this year.

They have sent another couple into training, who are now the Lieutenants heading up the Outpost at Taiping.  They started a YP band and now have a 3-band waiting list where they

have to share instruments because there are not enough for everyone.  People are getting saved.

Only at Pentecost in May this year, did the Major Jenny report this ‘We prayed for 30 days, yesterday a total of 217 people participated in Sunday worship (held outdoors due to COVID restrictions).  We made 98 new friends and, thank God that 42 people made determinations to believe in the Lord.’

Same earthquake story.

The story doesn’t change.

But such different headlines, depending on who you allow to write them.

God or satan.