Is there a Bible reference in Taylor Swift’s song “Look What You Made Me Do”? When she mentions “kingdom keys” is she referencing Matthew 16:19 about the “keys of the kingdom?”
There’s not even a question of biblical focus for a play like the popular Broadway presentation Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Or movies like Exodus or The Passion of the Christ.
Take a look at government. Despite concern over the “state of the state,” inscriptions like John 8:32 (“And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”) remain emblazoned on impressive walls and buildings. (This, remarkably, is found at the entrance of the Central Intelligence Agency outside of Washington, DC.)
What about the “hallowed halls” of higher learning? Visit Harvard Square and even now you’ll see “Open ye the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in” (Isaiah 29:2) on the gate that separates the main campus from commercial establishments.
Read a classic like Uncle Tom’s Cabin—over 100 biblical references or allusions occur in Stowe’s still-relevant work. And how about Mr. Shakespeare? It’s noted that I Corinthians 2:9 must have been his favorite verse (“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man what God has in store for those who love Him.”)—it appears four times in three plays.
Even in fields as seemingly unlikely as … sports. When inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame last year, Trevor Hoffman cited 2 Timothy 4:7 (“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”) as he accepted the prestigious award. And last year, the 13th horse to win racing’s Triple Crown? Justify.
How about in your community? Have you spotted Scripture or a biblical reference somewhere in street names or at city council meetings or on decades-old plaques commemorating the past?
Despite a sense that it may not be so welcome as once it was, the Bible continues to have a pervasive presence in culture—sometimes even when we don’t realize it.
And that powerful reminder is delivered in every day’s edition of The Book from Museum of the Bible. Hope you’re airing it. We could all use that daily dose of encouragement that, indeed, “the word of God is living and active …” and can be seen everywhere around us!
Maybe not in signs around town, but I’m thankful that our county and city governments open their meetings in prayer. Our station even helps make sure a clergy member is there to lead it.
We enjoy The Book and were thrilled when one of our listeners emailed us a family photo from their recent trip there. They wanted us to know they appreciated hearing about The Museum of the Bible so they could include it on their trip.