Thoughts and Biblical Connections from Super Bowl XLIII
“And the rulers went down on their faces and gave worship!” (Revelation 5:14)
During an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC’s pre-game show, President Obama articulated his conviction that “the Steelers would eke it out in the end.” Well said, Mr. President.
“…Every spirit shall faint, and all KNEES shall be weak as water” (Ezekiel 21:7)
The mere fact that Hines Ward played in the Super Bowl was impressive enough, given the excruciating pain that he is experiencing in his knee as a result of medial collateral ligament damage. But the fact that he made two critical catches and threw several significant blocks sheds bright light on what many of us already know: Hines Ward is one of the toughest players in the league and a portion of the very soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Having lived through the Steelers Dynasty of the 1970’s, I never thought that Lynn Swann and John Stallworth would have peers in the “hall of fame of my heart.” There are now three wide receivers there.
“Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I won’t bore you with a detailed analysis of James Harrison’s 100-yard return of an interception for a touchdown at the end of the first half. I will simply tell you how it went down in the Park household. Fully anticipating a score by the Cardinals, I stood up and screamed “YES!” as soon as I realized that Harrison had purloined Kurt Warner’s pass. My heart began to race as he crossed the 25-yard line. When he passed mid-field, Tara tells me that I actually ran toward our 62-inch television, although I have no memory of this. (Perhaps it was a subconscious effort on my part to throw a block for the scrambling linebacker!). When Harrison finally rolled over Larry Fitzgerald and into the end zone, I actually started to run around our house (upstairs, downstairs, into the garage, around the living room) in an effort to give some physical expression to the profundity of my euphoria. It was a mercurial moment, unparalleled in its dramatic unfolding. As Al Michaels put it, “Harrison, ran through the entire state of Arizona en route to the end zone.” And we were running with him, weren’t we?
“Be angry, but do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)
Later on in the game, Harrison’s unsportsmanlike treatment of Aaron Francisco tarnished his reputation. Moreover, the resultant personal foul penalty hurt his team significantly. Come on, brother. You just made the most exciting interception in Super Bowl history. Don’t lower yourself to thuggery.
“Praise God with loud clashing cymbals” (Psalm 150:5)
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band provided the most dynamic and energetic half-time show that I have ever seen. I am a big fan of the Boss, and I readily acknowledge my bias. But very few artists have the capacity to infuse a half time show with the kind of musical energy that compels people to forget about football, at least for a few moments. Springsteen is one of those artists. And, thanks be to God, there were no wardrobe malfunctions.
“If anyone wants to take your shirt, let him have your coat as well!” (Matthew 5:40)
The Coke Zero commercial featuring Troy Polamalu was my favorite of the night. Not only did the commercial pay homage to the great Mean Joe Greene Coke commercial from 1979, but it provided the added comedic bonus of seeing Troy tackle a man in a suit and rip off the man’s shirt. There’s something that one doesn’t see every day.
“For when they are saying ‘peace and SAFETY,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
Justin Hartwig’s holding call in the end zone brought me to my knees in despair—literally. I fell to my knees from the couch when I saw that flag on the ground, covered my face with my hands, and muttered about the horrors of a center tackling a linebacker on a play that otherwise would have been a crucial reception for a first down.
“Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it. Yes, let him tread my life down to the earth and lay my glory in the dust.” (Psalm 7:5)
As I watched Larry Fitzgerald catch Kurt Warner’s perfect pass, then split the safeties en route to a 64-yard touchdown, things became sickeningly quiet at our little Super Bowl party. We sensed that our moment of glory was being taken away from us and laid “in the dust.”
“They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they don’t swerve off course.” (Joel 2:7)
Ben Roethlisberger’s performance as quarterback on the Steelers’ final game-winning drive was nothing short of epic in its scope. It represented a young athlete stepping into the kind of leadership and poise that has long been expected of him. On his sport’s biggest stage, Roethlisberger engineered an eight-play, 78-yard drive that culminated with a six-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes that was as artistic as it was precise. It was the kind of drive that makes people think of Elway and Montana. It was the kind of drive that convinces the world that the Steelers can no longer be described as a “superior defense with an adequate quarterback.” In short, it was the kind of drive that wins a Super Bowl and puts an exclamation point on the ever-deepening career of the Steel City’s field general.
“If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward Him.” (Job 11:13)
Santanio Holmes’ used every segment of his five-foot-eleven frame to make what will surely be remembered as one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history. Think about it: Big Ben threw the ball to the only place he could—over three defenders no less. Santonio stretched himself out, made the catch with his fingers, and, in a moment that defies the boundaries of all known human science, kept his toes in bounds and in contact with the paint of the end zone. As soon as it happened, I high-fived the other people with whom Tara and I were watching the game. Then I kissed Tara on the lips. Then I became worried because I knew that it was a close enough play to warrant a review from the booth. Then I waited. Then I sweat bullets. Then I erupted with shouts of rejoicing when the touchdown was confirmed. (Oh, and I kissed Tara a second time, just to make it official.)
I too ran around our house in celebration of the Harrison return: from living room to kitchen, back to living room, back through kitchen and into the dining room for a couple laps around our table, back through the kitchen, then up the stairs, through our bedroom, through the hallway, and back downstairs with a soccer-style kneeling slide back into the living room.
I also kissed my wife in celebration of Santonio’s winning catch, although I think after the confirmation of the call, I just hugged her. Apparently we watch football games in much the same way.
Bo and I scared the puppies Sunday night. A lot. (unintentionally, of course…)
This was the best reflection of a football game that I’ve ever read, my friend. Keep’m coming!
What a game! I don’t think my Patriots could have put on a game like that. I too ask “why” to Harrisons penalty he is such a great player. We don’t know what is being said at the line of scrimmage, not that there is an excuse for his actions.
as we watched the game and half time show…a thought went back to an older blog entry which picturesquely described the details of the author’s view while attending the bruce springsteen concert. my son interrupted my thoughts to ask if bruce springsteen would clear his nose “farmer style” like Reverend Park wrote about in his blog…hmmmmmm
My voice was pretty hoarse after that game. Nothing short of amazing. I even had one high five miss and I got smacked right in the face! I took it on the chin for a Steelers win! haha Awesome post, Eric. What a great way to incorporate scripture with the Super Bowl. Leave it to you to find a way to do that!