Monday, December 19, 2011- Tying Tebow

I just read an editorial article about football player Tim Tebow's adjustment to NFL regulations which put a stop to him writing Scripture references on his eyeblack (the "war paint" players wear under their eyes).  Now playing on the national level of professional football, this son of missionaries kneels to thank God and points to heaven as his as testimony to Whom he serves.  Evidently, many people, even some Christians, feel uncomfortable with God on the football field.  Cynics and Tebow's enemies wait for him like a cat by a mouse hole. If he messes up, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief, laugh and know that yet another Christian is a hypocrite.
"There are those waiting on him to be anything but perfect something he professes not to be every time he drops to a knee or points to heaven.  That's him giving credit for his success to God. His father in heaven. Hallowed be His name." 
   How many news reports and court cases over the last twenty years have centered on scandal surrounding professional athletes who abuse their status, neglect their families, participate in illicit or illegal activities, or shamelessly swagger and flaunt their wealth and talent?


"Would you rather your son or daughter look up to Tebow or some athlete who is a deadbeat dad, a drug addict, or someone who was charged with DWI or, heaven forbid , involved in the Penn State or Syracuse allegations?" 

    Imagine kneeling in a stadium filled with "fanatics" of a different sort, painted up, decked out, filled with alcohol, screaming expletives and as ready to curse you as to cheer you.  While his parents face unique challenges on the foreign mission field in the Philippines, Tim Tebow does his best to glorify God on some of the most hostile soil to be found anywhere, the American football stadium.    
quotes in italics taken from Wally Hall's Sports Blog at Wallylikeitis.com
Father, bless Tim Tebow and his commitment to serve You wherever he is, no matter how misunderstood or hounded he may be. Thank You for strengthening him to stay strong in the face of anger, discomfort and fear.  People want to shut him up and tie him up, but free him and free us to overcome every shackle, every imposed ruling against believers expressing their love for and trust in You.  This young disciple already understands that win or lose in football, his work for You is all that matters in the end.  Open our eyes to realize the same truth in our arenas, in our stadiums and give us the courage to kneel and point to You.
In the Name of Jesus, the Son Who gave You credit for everything He ever did