The “American Idol” stage turned into a sanctuary and songs of faith were sung by contestants. Brandon Lake, a worship leader; CeCe Winans, a Christian entertainer; and Jelly Roll, a broken man who has been transformed by Jesus, were featured. Carrie Underwood closed the program with “How Great Thou Art” and the audience rose to their feet.
This was the first occasion on prime time that “American Idol” used worship as its theme. The show also received a lot of controversy from this bold move. Why? Was it too outrageous? After all, it aired on Easter. Shouts of “He has risen” were heard around the world. A worship theme would seem appropriate for the Easter weekend.
Maybe people aren’t accustomed to Christians speaking out about their faith. It’s OK in the walls of the organized church on Sunday morning just as long as they stay in their lane. That evening, believers took another lane. They stepped over the line, and I believe their boldness shocked everyone.
We who watched at home on television, also experienced the power of belief. We tasted the wine of the Spirit, and God’s presence was made known. Was this a sign to reveal Jesus’ glory and usher in a new era?
Believers expressed an outpouring of their faith and talked about “American Idol.” Pastors reported that hundreds of people attended their churches and many professed their faith. Darkness was exposed, and the stark light shone too brightly for some.
The Lord brought to my mind the account of the wedding in Cana, which began His ministry. In John 2:1-11, we see Jesus’ first miracle. His words to the servants changed the course of history. Vats of water turned into pitchers of wine. His glory was revealed.
Jesus said to His mother, “… it will change nothing for you, but it will change everything for me! My hour of unveiling my power has not yet come.” Then He came to the servers and told them, “Fill the pots with water, right up to the very brim … Now fill your pitchers and take them to the master of ceremonies … This was a sign revealing his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” — John 2:4, 8, 11 (TPT).
It was the first miracle to reveal Jesus’ glory. The servants knew where the wine came from. Jesus’ power was unveiled to them. They tasted heaven. They experienced Jesus. The others only tasted what they thought was unusual for a traditional practice and praised another person, the bridegroom, and marveled that he had saved the best wine for last.
The miracle at Cana was a revelation of being transformed from death to resurrection, water to wine. It was a sign set in heaven for the day Jesus would climb that hill to His death and experience resurrected life. The scoffers lashed out. The believers shouted, “Jesus has risen.”
There were skeptics who watched “American Idol,” but there were also hungry hearts ready to hear songs of faith, who tasted the Spirit of the wine and experienced Jesus’ power unveiled.
We see spiritual awakenings and revivals breaking out in our culture among the younger generation. In this hostile society, young people seem to be more open to the message of the Gospel and not afraid to express their faith. A global movement is happening where God is drawing people back to Himself.
Final brushstroke: God meets us where we are. People are desperate for answers. Change is happening. Possibly “American Idol” pushed the envelope, opened some doors and let in some light. It might be Jesus’ hour to unveil His power and show His time has come.
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Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN.
