Pastor Peterson's Pericopes
A member here at Bethlehem recently shared this story with me. He grew up in the Boston area and is a die-hard Patriots fan. The week before the playoff game between the Broncos and the Patriots he often wore his New England hoodie. He said he was at a local store and faced off with the cashier who was wearing a Broncos jersey. He said that the cashier asked him, “Why are you wearing that un-Christian jersey?” Really?
What do you make of this Tebow phenomenon? Tired of it? Reveling in it? Unaware of it? (Some actually are.)
As you may know, in the playoff game against the Steelers, Tebow threw for exactly 316 yards. It was his best day as a pro and it couldn’t have come at a better time. But some people really took off on that number…316. They connected it to John 3:16. For them, it was clearly a sign that God was actually behind the victory.
I think that is part of what is driving this mania. People are desperate for such divine signs. They want proof that God is really out there and that God cares about what goes on in our world. There is so much that seems to speak against that; all of the senseless violence, the prolific greed, the growing secularism. So here is an outspoken and talented young man who is not afraid to share his faith. Some come to the conclusion that God must be working through him, even to the point of determining the outcome of football games.
What’s interesting is that Tebow would be the first to discount such beliefs. He has said repeatedly that he is pretty sure that God couldn’t care less about football scores.
What Tim Tebow does give thanks for is the “platform” that he has been given. And he certainly uses that platform to express his deep faith and to try and do God’s will in the world. What impresses me about Mr. Tebow is his heart for kids, especially hurting kids. I have now followed several stories where he has reached out to very sick young people and tried to bring a little joy into their lives. I don’t think he does it for the publicity. I think it is really an expression of his faith.
We are in the season of Epiphany. Our lessons on these Sundays are epiphany stories, where we see God’s light shining through in remarkable ways. And we believe those epiphanies still happen. I was privileged to witness one recently during the ordination service of Sarah Anderson. The Holy Spirit was very present that day. I think God’s light is shining through Tim Tebow too, not in his passing yards, but in his loving actions.
The Christmas story that we recently heard once again tells us very clearly that God cares deeply for us and for our world. That’s where I’m putting my faith and hope. Go Broncos!
Pastor Peterson
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