It’s over. The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions. Immediately when the entire team walked onto the field in celebration, they were given Super Bowl champion hats with the Eagles logo.
Wow? That was fast printing! Nah. We all know that the merchandise is pre-printed. It would have happened just as quickly if the Chiefs had won.
So, do you wonder what happens to all the pre-printed “Super Bowl LIX Champion Kansas City Chiefs” merchandise? The NFL actually utilizes it for charity.
They don’t give it away in the US, because they want to avoid any kind of bargaining or buying of the merchandise in a way that slams the losing team. So they donate the unsellable items internationally to communities in need.
In previous years, about 1,500 pieces of apparel and 500 pieces of headwear have been sent to countries such as Ukraine, Mongolia, Georgia, Estonia, and Latvia.
Do you think, in the US, anyone wearing such apparel would be considered a loser? Probably. Even if they’re a loyal fan.
But in the countries where they aren’t as consumed by sports, or entertainment, or the National Football League like we are, those in the gear are most likely perceived as winners.
Interesting paradox. An almost idolatrous passion in the US for sports and entertainment, so possessing that we rid ourselves of losers’ merch. While those less privileged find themselves gladly content—even gratefully proud—to wear it as winners.
Who has it right? You be the judge, but the paradox makes me think of all the paradoxical truths that Jesus taught us. Here’s one to think about.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:28-30).
PRAYER: Lead me, Lord, outside of myself, my sinful tendencies gravitating toward my desires, my limited thinking seeing things in earthly ways. Forgive me by your grace. Help me to trust more fully in your otherworldly promises that may not make sense, but are certain and true. Amen.
DIG DEEPER: Can you list at least 3 other paradoxical truths of Jesus?
