The Maskless Superbowl (2/17/22)
Yes, it was matchless and maskless! It was great to see an Ohio team do well and almost win. It was great to see the Bengals make a courageous effort. It was also great to see that the pandemic is apparently over. Almost no one in the stadium wore a mask. What does that tell you?
Since the tickets were five to six thousand dollars apiece, it tells you that the wealthy people of this country are not worried about COVID anymore! That’s good news. Masks are fine for those who need them, but maybe we are getting back to normal.
Sadly it also points out the hypocrisy of a nation where some leaders, even in L.A., are still requiring masks (except for those in the Superbowl). They scare the population and then flout their own rules. Many of these same people would be quick to point out hypocrites in the church, a time honored excuse for not joining with “hypocritical Christians”. Well, at least we admit we are sinners. We admit our faults and our need for a Savior. No, we’re not perfect, but we know Who is.
Aren’t you glad God accepts us as we are! We don’t have to wear a mask in His presence if we are covered by the blood of Jesus.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. II Corinthians 3:18
Earlier this week we had a glorious day of worship. With unveiled faces we could see the Lord’s glory on the faces of our brothers and sisters. (And of course we love and respect those who need to wear masks.)
I was so pleased to have a full class of folks in our new Answers to Tough Questions Class. Altogether, we had over a hundred new people in our Next Level classes at 9:00. This is a hundred in addition to those who already were in classes. So join us every Sunday for a superbowl of praise and worship and discipleship. And each week we get to be honest and maskless with the Lord in communion time.
Lord, continue to teach us that you are the source of our truth and safety in a culture that worships science, medicine, and government made of fallible human beings. Help us learn to rely more on you.
Help us to know the right amount of risk and adventure in each of our lives, believing you will guide and protect us as we seek your will and your kingdom. May we learn all the lessons we can from the two year plague that is now ending. Thank you for your steadfast love through all the events of our lives. Renew our faith and refresh our spirits. Help us to take steps of faith and rely on your Holy Spirit in the days to come. In Jesus’ Name, Amen