Monday, January 9, 2012

Tebow's 316 yards: Coincidence?

I have to preface this post by saying I am no sports writer, and I am barely a sports watcher.  I usually only watch sports by default that I am married to a man who enjoys watching some sports.

It doesn't matter if you are like me and barely a sports watcher.  Unless you have been living under a rock (no offense intended for rock dwellers), you have probably heard of Tim Tebow.

For rock dwellers, he is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  He became well known during his college career in Florida as a talented quarterback with a deep faith in Jesus Christ. Every game he would write scripture references in the black under his eyes.  Now, he has become known nationwide as the quarterback that kneels to pray at every game.  The media has mockingly called it, "Tebowing", but he has embraced it in good humor. 

A couple months back, I read an article that called Tim Tebow, "Footballs most polarizing figure."  If this is true, I'd say he is in good company.  Jesus was and still is the world's most polarizing figure. 

The media was all over him stating that he wasn't a good quarterback and mocking his faith.  Soon after that he started winning victory after victory.  The nation watched in awe as he would bring his team a victory when the scoreboard was taunting them as defeated.  During the second half of the game, when his team was down, he would come through with a miraculous victory. Do you think God had something to do with that?  Hmmm?

God loves a good comeback and He loves to defend His children and Name.  Tim Tebow has humbly said that he doesn't think God interferes with the outcome of football games.  However, I wonder....

In his most recent amazing victory this past Sunday, his team was considered a big underdog.  However, they won with Tebow having 316 passing yards.  As Sean Hannity and others pointed out....316 passing yards, John 3:16?  Coincidence?  Is there such a thing or is coincidence just when God wants to remain anonymous? 

The best characteristic of Tebow is not necessarily his undeniable football talent, it is that he is Christ-like.  He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk.  He gets pummeled with remarks and ridicule, yet he handles it all with grace and dignity. Tebow does not revile in return, he actually blesses and exhorts those who scoff at him. (Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14) 

He reminds me of a modern day Daniel. 

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.  Daniel 6:3

Daniel stood above the cultural norm of his age.  His excellent spirit did not please everyone. Loved by kings and hated by some.  His life was plotted against, yet he stood firm in his faith. He was persecuted for bowing to pray.  

He knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.  Daniel 6:10

He knelt down and prayed even knowing it would mean the lion's den.
 
When someone has an excellent spirit and a pure heart, it sheds light on other's weaknesses and moral failures.  Those that find it uncomfortable scoff at it. 

Every time Tebow kneels down to pray, there are those ready to throw him to the lion's den.  And I'm not talking about Detroit.  : ) 

He inspires many to live their convictions in the face of opposition and scrutiny.  He encourages believers to stand for their faith and is a living testimony of the Lord to non-believers.  Let's pray for Him to continue to stand strong and stay faithful in his walk.  And if God wants to show off a little in the meantime, that would be super cool to watch also. 













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