I’m old enough to remember Whitney Houston’s 1991 performance of our National Anthem. Truly unforgettable. Admittedly, it spoiled me. It also allowed me to really enjoy Charlie Puth’s rendition at yesterday’s Super Bowl LX. Such a class act. The perfectly timed fighter-jet flyover by the U.S. Air Force and Navy was the icing on the cake.
I may be in the minority, but I believe that sporting events – particularly national ones – should unite people (team loyalties notwithstanding). None of us benefits from the politicization of every single subject and moment, which is where we find ourselves right now. It’s exhausting, and we all need a break.
Particularly, I think that God’s people should shoulder some of the responsibility to help redirect the cultural narrative – at least in part. According to Jesus, we’re both salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16).
That’s why I’m directing your attention to Charlie Puth. I’ll include his own words: “Thank you to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Sainted Choir, the Color of Noize Orchestra, Steve Hackman, and Kenny G for joining me on stage. And thank you Adam Blackstone for writing such a beautiful choir part. I love music so much.” I’m sharing that particular quote because I appreciate the incredible collaboration demanded by a spectacular performance like that.
I can’t speak for you, but from my perspective, “collaboration” sounds good right now. I’m all for it. The beauty of America can’t be captured by any one musical style. So I was thrilled that the anthem’s sound was a masterful blend of R&B, soul, and pop. (I’m not a musician, so forgive me if I blur some lines that shouldn’t be blurred. I’m just giving you my take on it.)
I think it honored Whitney, and I think it was supposed to honor Whitney. So it was new, and it was old – at the same time. I hope I’m not making too much of this, but I really believe that America could use more of it right now. A spirit which honors the past and the present – and which sounds a hopeful, warm, intergenerational tone for America’s future. I acknowledge that, when it comes to entertainment, not every song can be “The Star-Spangled Banner.” But I believe that the creative blending of styles serves us well right now.
And this leads me to the main question that I want to pose today: Do we who follow Jesus recognize the unique moment that is ours to make Christ – the one who came to tear down every wall of hostility – known in a world suffering under the crushing weight of division?
I’m not making this up, friends. We serve the Christ who came expressly to destroy “the dividing wall of hostility” that alienated us from God and from each other (Ephesians 2:11-22). “He Himself is our peace.” This is our ultimate spiritual vision for the world! Until that is a reality in all its fullness, you and I are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).
We are not bigshots. We are servants. We’re on the Lord’s ship, but we’re the under-rowers down below. We don’t get to be the Captain – that spot is filled beautifully – and our worth is derived from the honor and joy that are ours to serve the Captain.
The Captain has entrusted us to steward our responsibilities well. God has drawn us into His work of gospel reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21). “We regard no one according to the flesh.” That means that we choose to lay aside our preconceptions about others, and regard them as people who need Jesus just like we do – the same Jesus. Among the “mysteries” which we are stewarding is the truth that some of those who show no signs of it now are actually among our fellow heirs to the kingdom of God.
That makes life really exciting! Because it frees us to see people through the eyes of Christ. Among those who look like enemies are some who’ll soon be brothers, sisters, and friends! That’s how it works when the King of the kingdom is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Christ is building a multicultural community of faith – His Church – strangely but wondrously united under the single banner of His goodness and love.
You and I don’t have to be brilliant or impressive. Christ just wants us to be faithful as we live to make Him known.
So here’s my challenge for you, and for myself. Ask the Lord what is your next step toward living as salt and light in our divided land. Remember what Jesus taught us about our talents (Matthew 25:14-30). We don’t want to bury them. We want to multiply them. We want to multiply the treasure that is in us – the gifts which we’ve been given. We want the Lord to live His life of resurrection victory in and through us (Galatians 2:20)! You and I might not be asked to be part of the pregame show lineup, but we’ve been called to a sphere of influence which is just as valuable in the economy of God.
Super Bowls will come and go. But, year in and year out, may you and I be known as the people of Jesus. Sometimes we have to stand against the darkness, but let’s always make sure that we’re standing FOR the Light!
We know what sin looks like. We’ve seen it on the pages of Scripture. We’ve seen it in the world. We’ve seen it in us. As we advocate against unrighteousness, born out of sheer love for our neighbor, may we with even greater energy advocate for something far greater. After all: “We are ambassadors for Christ!”
The English churchman Thomas Fuller (1608 – 1661) penned the phrase: “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Perhaps, in America, our Lord will transform the twilight’s last gleaming by the dawn’s early light of an empty tomb.
Pastor Charles
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