Today's papers are estimating that one billion people around the world watched yesterday's Super Bowl victory by the Indianapolis Colts. Weather forecasters predicted a light drizzle and got a monsoon. But Peyton Manning (the game's Most Valuable Player) and his teammates persevered through the elements and the tough Chicago Bears defense. Meanwhile, most of us were riveted to the real contest: best commercial.

It seemed that half the ads were made by beer companies, while the other half were selling trucks (do they know their audience or what?). My favorite commercial featured David Letterman (from Indianapolis) and Oprah Winfrey (from Chicago) watching the game together. Since Letterman professes to be in love with Oprah, theirs was a match for the ages. But as funny as I thought the spot was, I now realize that I have no idea what they were selling.

Remembering the players but missing the point is not restricted to football commercials. For instance, today's New York Times reports that Democrat John Edwards is staking out more provocative positions than his presidential rivals, motivated by the fact that voters remember him, but not his message. We think of Mr. Edwards as the smiling VP nominee of four years ago, but don't know what he believes. He's out to change that perception.

Meanwhile, this morning's Wall Street Journal tells us that GE has named Jeff Zucker the chief executive of its NBC Universal entertainment business. The 41-year-old executive is expected to lead the network into a future made uncertain by the Internet. I remember the days when "NBC" stood for a peacock and TV programs. Now if the organization doesn't change that perception, it won't survive.

In Acts 3 we find Peter and John climbing up the steps of the Temple on their way to the evening sacrifice. They come upon a man who was born with physical challenges and has been begging at that gate all his life. For years they've seen the man but not stopped to care. But now Pentecost has come and the Holy Spirit has made them his temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Now they have Jesus' priorities and purpose. Today "Peter looked intently at him, as did John" (Acts 3:4). Soon they would touch this hurting man, healing his body and need. All because they saw past his circumstances to his soul.

Jesus sees past your surroundings to your heart this morning. Whether you won or lost your last game, you can count on his compassion and grace. If you could ask him to heal or help just one part of your hurting soul today, what would it be?

Copyright © 2007 Godissues.com. All rights reserved.