Tim Tebow’s story is receiving national attention. The star quarterback for the Denver Broncos has even become a huge fascination to people with little interest in sports. His story has become one of the leading headlines this season. As you may know, Tebow is a bit of a polarizing figure. Lauded as one with great leadership skills, deep character, extraordinary athletic capabilities and the intangibles needed to be a successful quarterback in the NFL, still Tebow has many doubters. His critics question his dynamic and distinctive playing style and doubt that he will be successful long-term. Even so, the second year quarterback is 6-2 this season, which is an impressive feat for such a young quarterback.
It is not, however, solely his unique playing style that has sparked a firestorm of debates and intense dialogue. It is the collision of sports and religion that has been the impetus for intriguing conversations that have immerged in unlikely places. People in bars, cafes, online, workplaces, etc. are discussing the Tebow phenomena. You see, Tebow has expressed in many situations his love for Jesus as his personal Savior. Admirably, Tebow leverages the platform he has been given in order to exemplify his love and devotion to Christ. Some have even attributed Tebow’s late game heroics to God’s divine intervention, and they see it as a sign of God’s favor on Tebow, though Tebow has denied such claims.
Naturally this brings to the forefront numerous thought-provoking questions. Does God even care about the outcome of sports games? And does God intervene and uniquely favor His children in the sports world? If so, then what happens if there are strong believers on opposing sides? What does God do then? You see, the whole Tebow story brings up a difficult theological concept to comprehend: the idea of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. But that question perhaps is best addressed another time. For now I’ll leave you with just a few Scripture passages highlighting God’s sovereignty to help you process this concept (Matt. 10:9; 10:13, Prov. 16:33; 21:1).
My main purpose in writing about Tim Tebow is to raise awareness of the opportunity we have to naturally use his story as a conversation piece. This Christmas season, as you gather together with friends and family, perhaps Tebow’s story will open up opportunities for you to discuss matters of faith and what it means to have a relationship with God. Regardless if we discuss Tim Tebow this weekend (which seems unlikely, at least with my family!), may we seek opportunities over Christmas to bridge conversations towards spiritual matters, in order that God might use us to help share His story of redemption to our friends and family members who might be far from Jesus.
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