For two weeks in a row now, the name of Jesus has been mentioned on American Idol. 

Last week, Jason Castro sang Traveling Through with these lyrics:

We’ve all been crucified and they nailed Jesus to the tree
and when I’m born again you’re going to see a change in me.
Oh sweet Jesus if you’re out there, won’t you keep me close to you?

Shortly after, Dolly Parton performed her song, Jesus and Gravity.

I’ve got something lifting me up, something holding me down
something to give me wings and to keep my feet on the ground
‘cuz I’ve got all I need…I’ve got Jesus and gravity.

Wednesday night, if you watched the Idol Gives Back program, Mariah Carey sang:

He said He’d never forsake you or leave you alone.
Trust Him. Right here by my side.
Carry me home. Jesus!

And then they closed the show with the popular worship song, Shout to the Lord.  Even though they replaced the name of Jesus with the word, “shepherd” in the first verse, they were still singing this song, written as a praise to our Creator: 

Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of your name!

I’m not sure if there’s necessarily a spiritual “movement” taking place on America’s #1 rated television show, or if the program is just trying to appeal to a Christian audience to get them to donate to the causes they support. But the fact that millions are hearing the name of Jesus and hearing songs meant to worship Him, is amazing.  Becky, one of my co-workers (and another regular contributor to this blog), reminded me of this verse in Philippians:

But what does it matter? The important thing is that
in every way, whether from false motives or true,
Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.
-Philippians 1:18 (NIV)

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