By D’Ann Davis
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work with us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
A month or so ago I was perusing a social media website and I came across a story about Taylor Swift. She apparently had decided to bless some super fans who frequently tweeted her by investigating all of their social media outlets to learn information about them, and she then sent them hand-picked gifts and hand-written letters. She would notify them by tweeting them and adding a Santa emoticon to let them know they were some of the chosen fans. She went to great lengths to find presents she thought they would like and wrapped them herself, and her notes to them were tailored with comments and questions about things like their children or pets, demonstrating she really did look into their lives. She mailed them the boxes and they filmed their responses and posted them to their social media outlets. In some cases Swift even visited their homes and spent time with them.
In a culture where celebrities often fall into self-worship and annoyance at the very fans who drive their success, it was neat to see a celebrity, if for but a few moments, seek to make a big impact on the lives of those who follow her. And this is what struck me, not that Taylor Swift would be so kind to do something for people who were of little to no consequence to her everyday life, but that God, an almighty perfect Father far above any earthly personality, would condescend to our level on a daily basis to be with us. Swift may be really great, I cannot speak to that, but she is no Jesus Christ. And God seeks on a daily basis to connect with us, to come to our level, to be reconciled to us. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us of Jesus, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” If we can be so moved by something so small as a celebrity coming down to the level of those who follow her, how much more so might we be moved by an Almighty Creator who loves us enough to reconcile us to Himself even when we spurn Him?
In watching the video I was also struck with sadness over the elation of these fans. I was saddened because my heart hoped they know the only true God who is the only One worthy of worship and praise. Some of these fans may very well know Jesus, and I cannot speak to that at all, but I know many people do not know Jesus and seek to find the object of their worship elsewhere, often in the identity of another creature. My heart hurt for the lost who do not know of a greater way, a greater hope in Jesus Christ, the true Savior and Redeemer of our souls.
Lastly, I was convicted over the joy these fans had over their gifts. Truly, Taylor Swift could have picked out a cinder block for them and they would have been ecstatic. They might have initially been confused but would have nearly immediately found a way for this to actually be the best possible gift Swift could have given them because it is the best cabinet brace, the best door holder, or the best gardening piece ever. It would have held deep value for them because it was what she sought to give them, and they loved her so much it would not matter to them that it was initially not what they thought they would get. They would have found a way to believe it was good in trust of her character and out of love for who she is. Oh that we might have such trusting open hearts to the gifts from our Father! We serve a good and perfect Father who always generously gives us what we need beyond what we could possibly hope for or expect. We have a God who provides our daily bread in addition to bestowing blessing upon blessing on us. We have a God who gives us every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus, per Ephesians 1:3. Let us learn from Swift’s fans and be more excited that the Lord of lords and King of kings would want to give us anything. Let us be so moved by Him that even those gifts we deem burdens would stir worship and affection in our hearts for Him. And finally, let us realize that the truest and best gift of all is that of Jesus Christ and relationship with Him.