The Last Shall Be First


Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs will battle against the San Francisco 49ers. Four years ago, those same two teams played for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I rooted for the Chiefs because of a prophecy promising revival would occur when that team wins the big game. Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That prompted many pastors to close down their churches. Around the time the Chiefs won the big game again last year, the Asbury Outpouring in Kentucky happened but got shut down after a couple of weeks. I’m still expecting a greater end-time harvest of souls to manifest before the Lord’s return.

Since the Minnesota Vikings (my favorite team) won’t be playing, I don’t care who wins Super Bowl LVIII. Often I don’t watch the game live, but catch the highlights later on YouTube. I prefer to avoid seeing all the pregame hype, commercials, and the halftime show. I’m also repelled by the increasing wokeness in professional sports. The NFL had a “Night of Pride” this past Wednesday.


There is one reason I don’t want to see the Chiefs win today’s game. I’m tired of the extra attention given to Taylor Swift, the girlfriend of tight-end Travis Kelce. During the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago and the subsequent Lamar Hunt Trophy presentation, multiple close-ups were done of the singer. In 2019, Swift had a hit with “You Need to Calm Down”, which criticized believers speaking out against the LGBT agenda. However, owner Clark Hunt (Lamar’s son) is an outspoken Christian who has glorified God for his team's success.


The 49ers are among my least favorite teams. Usually, I would root against them, but want to see their quarterback play well. Brock Purdy is also a believer who’s unashamed to speak out about that. If his team wins, I hope he receives the MVP award. It’s worth noting Purdy was picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft. That earned him the title “Mr. Irrelevant” (that brought back memories of how I was often chosen last during athletic contests in school). Purdy originally started that season as the 49er's third-string quarterback but eventually became the starter due to injuries to his teammates. 


Jesus said in Matthew 20:16, “So the last will be first, and the first last.” God has a supernatural way of elevating people who display humility and play for His honor. I hope that happens during today’s Super Bowl and inspire football fans to get right with Him. Unlike an NFL game, most people won’t have a two-minute warning before the clock runs out on their lives. Life can suddenly end without an opportunity to prepare for eternity.


“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” - James 4:10

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