So everybody wants to talk about the commercials. Great. I want to talk about the Giants.
Yes, my team won the Super Bowl! Who cares about the commercials? Answer: the news, the blogosphere, social networks, gazillions of people at the water cooler. Of course, at $3.5 million for each 30-second ad, advertisers are hoping we're talking about their commercial. And buying whatever they're selling.
I didn't see all the commercials, but one of them blew the others away. It wasn't funny or suggestive. It was just compelling. A still photo from it is, in fact, the first thing I saw on my USA Today.
Airing as halftime was beginning, it featured iconic actor, Clint Eastwood, walking in the shadows of a big-city alley, intoning, "It's halftime in America." In reality, the commercial was sponsored by a major automobile company trumpeting their recovery and the comeback of the City of Detroit. But the message transcended its sponsor. And while it may be subject to political interpretation or manipulation, there's a reason it's all the buzz today.
With scenes capturing America's economic and political "downturn," Eastwood's hoarsely commanding commentary talked about how Detroit had rallied around what was right, come together and turned things around. And he called on Americans to do the same as a country. Then, with the camera focusing on the actor's leathery face, he said, "It's halftime, America - and our second half is about to begin."
I'm looking at a little different game clock. This one is ticking down to a time the Bible talks about over and over again - "the last days." Those days that will culminate with the personal return of Jesus Christ to this planet. Jesus said He would die on the cross for our sins - and He did. He predicted He would rise from the dead three days after He died - and He did. As He returned to heaven, He promised "if I go...I will come back" (John 14:3). And He will.
He also told us how to tell time. His time. He said to look for signs that would precede His return. Natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity...dangerous days in the Middle East...terror...people yearning for a messianic leader...a climate of uncertainty and fear. He said to "work while it is day because the night is coming" (John 9:4).
Comparing the headlines to the Bible, many are concluding that God's game clock may be running out. That it's way past halftime in our world. In fact, it could be that our world and our generation are hearing God's two-minute warning.
When football players hear that warning, they throw caution to the wind...they make every second count...they do whatever it takes to get points on the board.
Seems to me Team-Jesus - all of us who claim to follow Him - should be doing no less. Moving beyond maintenance mode to taking new ground. Giving like there may not be a lot more tomorrows. Forgetting turf and territory to wage a united battle for the lost souls in our town. Refusing to let our fear keep us any longer from telling that lost friend about Jesus. Abandoning the tentativeness bred by uncertain times for the boldness these times demand.
This is no time to settle for being on the sidelines or in the stands. Or hiding out in a holy huddle. For heading for the locker room or sitting on the ball. This game is too big to forfeit. Too costly to lose.
We're living at a time and in a world where it's smart to be ready for eternity, whenever and however it comes. That's what makes belonging to Jesus Christ so important. And so urgent. If you'd like to be sure you belong to Him, you can check out how by going to YoursForLife.net. I hope you will.