Really? Have we had 51 Super Bowls and now onto 52?! That’s most of MY life! I suppose many could say the same thing about having television shows, movies, and various fashions and trends of the era. We live in our 21st century American culture and that is considerably different from the American life of our great grandparents. Different from other nations and ages.
Our Bible texts take us to an age that knew nothing of our culture, inventions, and fashions. But if we read Paul closely he is dealing with the cultures he is ministering in! He shares what and how he will adapt. For the sake of the Gospel! Jesus ministers in first century Capernaum on a busy Sabbath including a family members illness, healing, meal time, and a demon! Then he moves on to the next town or community. Some things the same then as today! But also different as we look back although we hope to receive a Bible message still relevant now.
So, people wake up and think about how the Sunday will unfold, how will we worship and then move in and around a major cultural event whether the interest is in the actual game or more so in the new commercials or the half time spectacle! Or the food or the company we keep?!
We do this all the time and we model for our children and grandchildren, our neighbors and the unchurched, the outcast and those whose lot in life rules out any interest in a Super Bowl because of numerous personal, health, or work circumstances.
Well, my intentions are to watch and enjoy the Super Bowl but also keep in mind how Christ and culture meet and what will you and I do with both! A tough question at times, but that’s one reason to go to worship, read the Bible, look how others lived in the past, and maybe get some current help in that matter! If Paul can adapt to his culture for the sake of ministering the Gospel and bearing witness to the good gifts from God, so can we!! Each may “draw the line” somewhere in our wide ranging cultural life but we need each other’s help in doing so!
See you Sunday morning if I don’t see you later at kickoff time!
Pastor Barry