Even many of those who have no particular interest in football have heard the name Tim Tebow, the Denver Bronco quarterback who has played some spectacular football this year. (Although I don’t follow this closely, I gather it has not been uniformly spectacular.) Tebow is reputed to be a man of deep faith and his very public act of prayer following a successful scoring drive has become a source of widespread attention.
I just read the results of a national telephone survey that 43% percent of people surveyed believe that “divine intervention” is responsible for Tebow’s success compared to 42% who believe that God has nothing to do with Tebow winning. I’m shocked at how many people fall into the first category.
I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of Tim Tebow’s faith; indeed, everything I’ve read suggests that God comes first with him. I don’t for a minute, however, believe that God picks sides in a football game (any football game – even those involving Notre Dame) or that God has interceded in the Bronco’s football games as some reward or approbation of Tebow’s faith.
Is it possible that Tebow’s faith gives him a clarity of mind that helps his performance? Sure. I know myself that there are times when I know that things are so right between me and God and when I do much more than I could do on my own. (The plaque at the entrance of my study at home quotes “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.)
But that is a whole lot different from saying that divine intervention accounts for Tebow’s and the Bronco’s success. And actually, it seems to me to cheapen God to suggest that it does. I don’t doubt that God enjoys watching a good scoring drive now and then. But I suspect God equally enjoys the game whichever of his children wins it.
Update: Jim Martin, S.J., talks about Tebow and prayer here.
As a football fan and Pastor (although not a Denver fan) I’ve taken a keen interest in Tim Tebow. Tim has clearly demonstrated his unwavering faith in God in EVERY area of his life. Although I agree with you that God does not hold Denver in His particular favor, He clearly has, does and will always work through those who are faithful to Him. To that extent, He IS working through Tim Tebow, on and off the field. Does that truth give Tim an edge as a football player? Does a lay missionary, placing his faith in God, enjoy God’s favor? We would answer the latter with a resounding “yes!” Why wouldn’t the same truth hold true to Tim and his calling? I guess it’s OK for Tim to be a man of God off the field, but once he brings God onto the gridiron, it “cheapens” God! I’m surprised at the way we can so easily place God in a box and say He works here, but not there.
As one truly listens to Tim Tebow’s heart (which would require going deeper than the stuff the networks deliver), one quickly realizes that his true desire is to reach children for the casue of Christ, NOT become a star on the football field. Is it such a stretch to believe that God has given Tim football as a platform to fulfill His will? My prayer Susan is that you believe (and I sense you do) that the Lord has given you the Law as a platform to spread His will… why not football for Tim Tebow? Where’s the difference?
Thanks, John. I don’t have time for a lengthy response this morning, but briefly:
Of course I believe we all have platforms from which we are graced to fulfill God’s will and I wasn’t trying to say God can work through a lay missionary and not through a football player. And I think our faith gives us “an edge” in everything.
Perhaps I’m drawing a distinction between God working through someone (which can take all sorts of forms) and God intervening to “fix” a football game in one team’s favor because of someone’s faith. God gives us tools, gives us graces that we use – but I don’t think God directly “causes” a win in a game. And in part, what I’m reacting to and fearful of are people thinking: “If I pray hard and if I have faith, I’ll win football games just like Tim Tebow.”
Thanks for the response Susan… I agree totally with your clarification.
I believe key to a spiritual understanding of the Tebow phenom is recognizing that football is a “platform” from which he has chosen to deliver a message. What people have chosen to make of it has been a bit disturbing in certain cases.
Does God follow Tim onto the field? Yes, as he does me to the pulpit, and you to your classroom. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are gifted with His presence and thus become His tabernacle; where we go, He goes.
Does He have a vested interest in the Denver Broncos because of Tim Tebow, of course not. Everyone from NY realizes God is a JET fan (or perhaps His allegiance is now to the Giants?)!
Be well…