Preacher Connects to Super Bowl LIX

No, this is not a view to our current political and cultural world of chaos. No, it is not a review of the half-time show or to the performance of the very skilled and talented athletes. No, it is not a judgment of the 16 million dollar a minute investment into marketing (commercials).

So why is it? It is a unique view to how my preaching ministry can be seen in a plethora of events seen in New Orleans last Sunday.

First, as a preacher ….|
The Eagles, Champions of the World. Sometimes, after I preach (albeit not as often as reality, nary not as often as think it happens, and probably never, except in the recesses of my imagination) … I feel my homiletical endeavor is worthy of awards, worthy of a ticker-tape parade, worthy of a trophy. I exhibited great skill, powerful preparation, and I slayed the enemy of unbelief and apathy.

Interestingly, in football, this happens only once a year, and only LIX times in the last 60 years. Me? Much, much less than that. But for a moment, I am on top of the world.

Second, as a preacher …
building off the first …
I do voice a humble statement that it wouldn’t be possible without the Lord. However, being honest, I might struggle with pride more than I let on. I say the words, but what’s inside? Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace even in my arrogance. (This is NOT saying the athletes were insincere, I pray they continue to have opportunity to use their platform in a God-honoring way.)

Third, as a preacher …
The Chiefs, losers this time, unable to threepeat, came up short and didn’t play up to their potential. Now they are tremendously talented, but as they say, on any given Sunday, any team can be victorious – and this week, it was the Eagles’ Sunday. But in preaching, most weeks I feel defeated, broken, fallen short of what the Lord deserves. Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace even in my brokenness.

Fourth, as a preacher …
Fans and critics. Cheers and Boos. Lovers and Haters. The crowd and the millions watching worldwide came down on one side or the other. Almost every Sunday, I have my share of both. A few might on either side might share their opinions, but I see it mostly in people not returning, whispers from the conversations that people have around the lunch table, and … well, this article is not a time for that, but preachers have fans and critics too.

Fifth, as a preacher …
Commercials. This may seem a bit weird but how many people watch the Super Bowl not for the game, but the advertisements? That’s my wife. It may be due to the fact she is a Cowboys fan and since they haven’t been in the Big Gam for a looooooonnnnnggggg while, she has to have some reason to watch. I a not naive, I realize people come to church for a lot more reasons … music, small groups, kids ministry, the coffee and so on. The point, I recognize it is not about me, there are a lot of other things going on.

SIDE NOTE: There were a few really good one this year. Uber Eats with the food conspiracy in the NFL … the young Clydesdale, the young girl who grew the one potato, Rocket Mortgage (very good), the Christian He Gets Us … and my favorite, Sloth Monday.

Sixth, as a preacher …
Halftime show? Some loved it. Some hated it. Obvious talent. Hidden message? Don’t know where you come down on the man, the message, or the music … but I would say there were a few words, lines I found difficult to follow. Not the actual words, but hte medium in which they were shared. Sometimes I feel this as I preach. I look out and and see bewildered expressions, quizzacled expressions, and blank faces. All the prep, all the prayers, and the planning … falling flat

Again, this is not a critical look at the Super Bowl or at my preaching. It is an unusual awareness, as I watched the sporting event and all the mayhem that went along with it …. I saw the connection to the vocation to which I am called.

Lastly … in a two fold expression … I humbly recognize my temporariness … next year, nay, next week, we do it all again. But I confidently recognize the eternal nature of our Lord. No matter what happens from Sunday in and Sunday out … God is always on the throne. Render unto Caesar what is Ceasar’s and unto the Lord what is the Lord’s.

How does the Super Bowl connect to you? A time to eat freely all the junk food you want? a time to be a couch potato? A time to chill and forget the craziness of the world? How?