If you are a football enthusiast, you probably woke up this morning thinking Super Bowl 58 between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers was one the greatest games ever played. If you are not a football fan, but watched the game, you probably woke up still excited about all the hype and excitement. If you waited and watched the halftime entertainment by Usher, you are probably wondering how an entertainer could move with such agility and perform with such excellence. If you were into the Super Bowl ads, you were probably impressed by the creativity of them all and wondered why so many famous people promoting things they probably did not use or believe in. If you bet on the game in any way, you probably woke up this morning a loser or a winner. Just maybe you were viewing from another country where the time zone was different, but you watched with adrenaline flowing heavily. If you could not get excited about the game, just maybe all the famous people present turned you on. If you are an optimist, just maybe we appreciated over 70,000 people coming together in unity and on one accord. Whatever your involvement or opinion, it was obvious that some of the most famous people on the planet earth were in attendance or viewed the game from their homes and other venues. It was a breath of fresh air to witness something positive for a change that brought all races of people together for at least 3 hours.
The Super Bowl is definitely a game for prominent or wealthy people to attend. If you are a die-hard fan and was able to attend even though it was a stretch financially for you, blessings to you. Some people are so fortunate they could fly their private planes into Las Vegas. Let’s not be envious or jealous of the accomplishments of others, but sometimes we witness the richer getting richer and the poorer getting poorer.
With all these wonderful famous people in attendance, the question became, “Why can’t open minded and influential people come together in such a venue to promote solidarity and oneness?” Could it be that money becomes the issue?
As I watched the Super Bowl with animation, I also wondered what the possibilities were of bringing 70,000 believers into a stadium to speak about love for all humanity and peace on earth. Why not a city like Las Vegas, Sin city, to have one of the greatest revivals ever?
It is time for us to promote ecumenism and start celebrating unity among all Christians. Why can’t Christians and all religions come together in faith and put forth a concerted effort to transform the world?
The greatest and most famous man to ever walk the earth was Jesus the Son of God. Crowds were often positioning themselves to get close to Him. It is amazing that this famous man named Jesus never had a problem drawing crowds. There were no ads, no games, no hype, no pre-planned announcements, etc., just his preaching, teaching and healing that drew men unto Him. As His fame increased, the crowds followed Him. Now is an opportune time for us to preach Jesus like never before. May we make Him the central focus of our lives and ministry, and just maybe we will see crowds coming together seeking Him.
Share with someone today that Jesus died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised from the grave on the third day (1 Corinthians 15: 2-4). And Christ Himself said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).
Jesus said of Himself that, “He had come from heaven to earth with the purpose: to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
May we be reminded that this famous man, Jesus is the same yesterday, and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is still in the business of saving, healing and delivering us even today.
We may not be as famous as some others, but all of us have the responsibility of introducing others to this man who can offer salvation and eternal life, Jesus. It is free for the asking!
Now, look in the mirror and say, I am somebody and God’s child.
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
