Of Kanye and His Movement (Acts 5:29-39)

#Jesuswalks

Some discussion in Christendom, and culture in general, has occurred concerning Kanye West’s Sunday Services. West’s Sunday Services are, for lack of a more apt description, a series of spontaneous (though involving much planning and preparation) worship services held throughout the United States at various churches and venues. They are led by West, and involve an amazing choir and the preached Word as well as an invitation to Christ.

Given Kanye West’s penchant for provocative statements and, at times, impulsive actions through the years, the services have been the subject of discussion, debate, defense, and debunk. Responses range from open support for exposing the gospel to groups that may not attend traditional church settings, to cautious optimism regarding his motives and aims, to interested indifference, to cynicism concerning his seemingly impromptu religiosity and general unpredictability, to outright critique based on any number of the gatherings’ components.

These are but a snapshot of reactions to West’s movement. Gradations both within and between the aforementioned exist. My take on what he is doing is similar to that of Gamaliel, when members of the Sanhedrin sought to ascertain how to deal with the insistent early Christian apostles as they persisted to teach and preach Jesus despite beatings, persecution, and jailings. Gamaliel advised, in Acts 5:38-39, “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” Not to liken Kanye and his group to Peter, John, and the apostles, but a similar sentiment might apply: God knows how to stop it if it isn’t real, genuine, or authentic, and people can’t stop it if it is. His purposes will be accomplished in either case.

Reflect: Think about times you have received truth from an unlikely source. Is the messenger or the message more important? How do one impact the other?