HYPE-MAN


An integral part of hip-hop is the role of the Hype-man.  His job description is simple:  Hyping up the crowd while also drawing attention to the words of the MC.

I was realizing, this isn’t unique to hip-hop.  Remember growing up and your mom was laying in on you and your brother would chime in?  He was hype-manning:
Mom: “Clean your room!  If I have to tell you one more time…”
Brother: “Awe yeah! Ha! Ha! Momma’s mad now! Did you hear that! Clean that room!”

I have people hype manning it in church all the time when I’m preaching:
Me: “Jesus said, ‘Apart from Me you can do nothing!”’
Church congregant: “Awe yeah!  Ha! Ha! Preach it, Pastor. Kid’s don’t try biblical proclamation like this at home. Pastor’s a trained professional! Come on, somebody!  Watch out devil!”

I was thinking this morning, how much in life would be easier with a hype man backing you up? 
Firing someone: “He just said you’re done, son!” 
Having “The Talk” with your kid: “Wave your hands in the air for purity!!!” 
Telling your husband, you’re overdrawn in the banking account: “She just said, ‘No mo’ money, honey!’ Make some noise!”

Paul calls the church to be heaven’s Hype-man:  10 [God’s] intent was that now, through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord… 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:10-12, 20-21 (NIV)

Paul is calling the church to not be silent but to make some noise about God.  Sharing the diversity of wisdom to angels (yes, angels) and giving him glory, or credit for all He’s doing.  We’re heaven’s hype-men!  Drawing attention to God’s Word and His mighty acts.  So, make some noise!  Don’t stay silent.  If He’s restored your marriage, set you free, changed your life, answered your prayer, make it known!  If He’s illuminated your path with His Word, if He’s spoken a “right now Word” that’s been a healing ointment to your soul, if you’ve found His living Word to be a firm foundation to stand on during an uncertain time, don’t hide it.  Share it.


Eugene Peterson gave us this paraphrase of Matthew 6:14-16:  14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

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