In the summer before his senior season Tim Tebow took the stage at the SEC’s yearly media day. In a room packed with star colligate and soon to be NFL stars questions about Heismans, the BCS National Title and heated southern rivalries were expected. But it was Tebow’s time on the stage that provided the stunner.
“Are you saving yourself for marriage?” a AOLNews reporter asked. After letting the laughter die down Tebow answered the question by stating he was. He followed the answer by stating he wasn’t surprised by the question, like everyone else in the room appeared to be. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS8qqNnR3aM)
As I sit in my room and hear “Courageous” by Casting Crowns blaring upstairs I can’t help but think of America’s most hated and loved Quarterback (good thing he came in the league the same year Favre retired). This season was a crazy year for Tebow and the Broncos. After starting the season as the 3rd string Quarterback Tebow jumped into the starting role after just five games. He did so partially because Kyle Orton was struggling and partially because the Bronco fans kept chanting his name. Most experts expected him to lead the Broncos down the toilet and into a position to draft Andrew Luck with the #1 pick. However, something strange happened on the way to the #1 pick: HE WON.
Maybe it was divine intervention, maybe it was the defense, maybe it was coaching, maybe it was Tebow’s leadership, it was probably a combination but nonetheless the Broncos were one of the final 8 teams playing for a Super Bowl last weekend not figuring out who to take at the beginning of the draft.
After Tebow took over the Broncos won 7 of their next 8, most of them in dramatic fashion in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime (or what can me known now as “Tebow Time”). Then he disappeared, the Broncos went 0-for December, but backed into the playoffs where they were matched with the best defense in the NFL and sure to lose, but once again something strange happened. The worst passer in the NFL threw for over 300 yards and led his team to victory. Of course the Patriots buried the Broncos in an impressive win, but if can’t erase what Tebow did, or as he would tell us, “what God did through he and his teammates.”
Tebow hasn’t let the hate get to him, he hasn’t stop getting on a knee in the endzone, he hasn’t stopped ending every interview with “God Bless” even when the interviewer is obviously trying to trip him up, he sat there with countless t.v. cameras and microphones and proudly stated he was a virgin knowing he’d have to go back to a locker-room filled with 18-23 year olds and knowing he’d hear about it from every opponent likely for the rest of his life.
Tebow makes people uncomfortable because of his faith, because in our politically correct society we are supposed to hide our beliefs if our beliefs discredit any other lifestyle. (Romans 12:2, John 15:19)People who don’t like that Tebow wants the focus on his relationship with God, they point to other athletes that are Christians but don’t “flaunt it” and say he needs to be like them. That is society we live in here in the United States a “Christian nation” where you keep your Christianity to yourself and in your churches. But, Tebow takes it out on the field in the most popular sport in a sports-mad nation (1 Corinthians 10:31).
I feel a draw to Tebow because he and I have somewhat similar backgrounds; before you roll your eyes thinking I’m being arrogant hear me out. He was a home-schooled son in a missionary family; he was affiliated with schools just for the opportunity to play sports (sidenote: he’s left handed). Also he obviously is an emotional human being and proud to be a Christian (Romans 1:16). But it’s where we differ (besides the obvious: superior athletic ability) that draws my attention and respect for him. He didn’t change, he hasn’t changed and he is standing firm, he is showing me how I need to be: courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I watch as Tim Tebow lives his life with people rooting for him to fail he continues on his path. And after his 7-1 run as a starter my father says “I have never believed God cares about football, but this is making me wonder.” I immediately thought of the story of Job; a man who had it all because he served God and in return God had blessed him. God even bragged to Satan about Job’s faith
(This story is in the book of Job… duh). If Job were to play football I’d envision him dropping to his knees after every score/win as well. Then as the season unraveled and the Broncos lost 3 consecutive games and Tebow haters began rejoicing it brought to mind to second part of Job’s story. When Satan took it all away from Job believing he could cause Job to turn away from God. But Satan couldn’t succeed, he killed Jobs family and destroyed his possessions and caused Job to be sick and still Job praised God. Tebow did the same, no matter how bad the losses and scrutiny he persevered. In the end Job was again blessed by God and given back even more than what had been taken away. In the end of Tebow’s season the Broncos knocked Satan’s team (the Steelers) out of the playoffs.
(This story is in the book of Job… duh). If Job were to play football I’d envision him dropping to his knees after every score/win as well. Then as the season unraveled and the Broncos lost 3 consecutive games and Tebow haters began rejoicing it brought to mind to second part of Job’s story. When Satan took it all away from Job believing he could cause Job to turn away from God. But Satan couldn’t succeed, he killed Jobs family and destroyed his possessions and caused Job to be sick and still Job praised God. Tebow did the same, no matter how bad the losses and scrutiny he persevered. In the end Job was again blessed by God and given back even more than what had been taken away. In the end of Tebow’s season the Broncos knocked Satan’s team (the Steelers) out of the playoffs.
I’m not saying Satan strolled into heaven bragging about our country (although he clearly could) and God pointed to Tebow, but I can definitely see a parallel between the lives of Job and Tim Tebow.
We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation that finally breaks the chains
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous
We were warriors on the front lines,
Standing unafraid.
But now we're watchers on the side lines,
While our families slip away.
Where are you men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry,
We will serve the Lord.
We were made to be courageous,
And were taking back the fight.
We were made to be courageous,
And it starts with us tonight.
The only way we'll ever stand,
Is on our knees with lifted hands.
Make us courageous,
Lord make us courageous
This is our resolution,
Our answer to the call,
We will love our wives and children,
And refuse to let them fall.
We will reignite the passion,
That we buried deep inside.
May the watchers become warriors,
Let the men of God arise.
We were made to be courageous,
And were taking back the fight.
We were made to be courageous,
And it starts with us tonight.
The only way we'll ever stand,
Is on our knees with lifted hands.
Make us courageous,
Lord make us courageous
I’ve made jokes about Tebow, in fact I didn’t like him in college because I thought he got too much attention. I still think he gets too much attention compared to his production on the field. But then I think about Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Again I’m not saying I know why Tebow wins or is so popular, but it’s definitely something to think about.
No comments:
Post a Comment