Okay, already I’m sidetracked. But, I just can’t help myself.
About two thousand years ago, Jesus told a story: Two guys walk into a synagogue. One stands up and makes a big deal about praying in public. The other guy doesn’t. (Luke 18:10-14) It’s one of those parables that doesn’t get talked about all that often, and I’ll let you hypothesize as to why.
For weeks now, I’ve been hearing about this Tebow guy. I Googled him, and found out he is a football player. That’s all I know. Apparently he makes a big deal about praying in public, which makes some Christians happy, thinking this is what it means to be a “real” witness. It turns a whole lot of other people off, and whatever he does on the field to demonstrate his Christianity is lampooned all over the internet.
I’ve never seen him play, and didn’t know what he looked like until a few minutes ago, when I pulled up an article online that talked about a recent survey where 43% of the responders believe his team wins due to divine intervention.
Seriously?
World hunger, strife, genocide, human trafficking, natural disasters and Obama. Do you really think that God cares about football? Really? (Personally, I think he’s too busy trying to figure out who should win the Grammys.)
It’s Football, People!
I haven’t taken the time to read about this survey, but if this is even close, it’s embarrassing. I’m beginning to understand why there are so many atheists. Are American Christians really clueless enough to think that the Kingdom of Heaven revolves around their favorite sports team? And, do they think that being religious in public is a good Christian witness? Remember Matthew 6:1-4:
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Bottom Line
I’m not passing any judgment on this football player; I am not calling him a Pharisee, or anything else. He may be a humble, sincere guy who’s just been snookered by American Phariseeism. There are a lot of them around.
My concern is about those who somehow think Tebow is somebody to be worshiped. It’s not fair to him, for one thing.
But just think about it—for years pastors have been preaching against pro football, as it was the Sunday church service’s biggest competition, possibly becoming more popular than church. Over the years this has changed; many pastors have succumbed to the culture, and now we hear about football every Sunday morning from the pulpit.
However, I really doubt that God has become such a fan that he’s now picking the winners.
Alden, I think that they proved that against the Patriots.
I really dislike these public prayers. I do think it hardens a lot of people to the gospel message.
There’s also the possibility that 43% of Americans believe the Broncos are winning by divine intervention because they – and Tebow himself – are simply not good enough for it not to be a miracle…
I think you have nailed it. The 316 yards thing in beating the Steelers was a cute coincidence, but then a bunch of people thought it was a “sign.”
Now Katy Perry’s parents are trying to get the two together since she is divorcing Russell Brand. What’s that all about?