In a time when the world is connecting and communicating in new ways, God is moving in new ways too. On Easter, Andrea Bocelli performed to an empty Duomo di Milano in a performance called Music For Hope. The live stream started with Bocelli sharing that he said “yes”. Yes to an invitation to sing at Milan Cathedral. He believes in the strength of praying together and in the Christian Easter. Those bold statements were streamed across the world. And 27 million people have heard from the iconic voice about the power of coming to God in prayer.
Andrea Bocelli: Positive Impact
While his performance lasted just 25 minutes, its impact is still being felt – not only as the YouTube views rack up, but every major media outlet shares news of his live stream. The New York Post and NPR have both published direct quotes from Bocelli stating that the live stream wouldn’t be a concert but a prayer, and that he hoped those who watched would join him in praying. In a time when pandemic and politics fill our airwaves, the message of prayer and unity are cutting through. As of this writing, the performance is ranked as the number 1 video on YouTube.
Bocelli’s performance and its impact are nothing short of amazing, but it could just be one sign among many that God is moving in new ways. He is not limited by communication methods or mediums, and we shouldn’t be surprised that in a time when most aren’t able to share Him through traditional evangelism, He makes a way. Luke 19:10 says that he came to seek and save the lost, but it doesn’t say that he needs a church building, pamphlet or street team to do that. In fact, he is used to pioneering new methods of evangelism.
Jesus’ Pursuit
As Jesus walked the earth, he preached the gospel through short, relatable stories. He did this so they would be retained, studied and shared. He knew the culture and times. So he crafted stories that spoke of familiar settings and roles. And He made sure they were short enough to spread by word of mouth. Yesterday, Jesus used an entertainer and a media platform to reach 27 million people because he knew that those He is pursuing would be alone, seeking entertainment and glued to their phones.
He is notorious for meeting people in unexpected places. And Bocelli’s performance may have been a vehicle that carried the gospel into the homes of millions. We may never know its evangelistic impact. But the opera singer spends the last four minutes of the performance telling of God’s redemptive power through song. When you hear him sing Amazing Grace, God’s presence is almost tangible.
We navigate through an unprecedented time of social distancing. And it will be amazing to see a new wave of evangelistic pioneering. God is not only adaptable – adaptability originated with Him. He has always pursued and loved in the most personal and unique ways imaginable. And of course, He will continue to reach the lost in places and ways He knows they will be found.