Tim Tebow and John 3:16

    During the days as a Florida Gator, Tim Tebow once touted the Bible passage John 3:16 on his eye-black, "but the scripture passage gained more attention after the quarterback's 316 yards passing helped Denver clinch a nail-biting, overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers on [January 10]." It's amazing how situations such as these can get the attention of many people so they can see for themselves what John 3:16 means, and, possibly, see God in it as well.

     The quarterback's highly publicized Christian image has long been discussed among sports fans nationwide, but what's the significance of Tebow's favorite scriptures passage and how has religion played a role in sports?

    Despite the negative comments and views, Tim Tebow should be seen as an example for many of us who are afraid to express their Christian beliefs to others, despite the negative opinions and comments that may be aimed at us.  

    During the 2009's BCS (Bowl Champion Series) Championship Game, Tim Tebow etched John 3:16 on his eye-black and about 92 million people conducted a web search for the term, the Palm Beach Post reports. The verse has made appearances at sporting games, most notably on sports fan Rollen Stewart's T-shirts and banners during the1980s, Forbes reports. The born-again Christian wore a rainbow wig and displayed signs at games and major events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup.

   More than a few times, the three-number sequence popped up during the game against the Steelers. CBS reports: “As our brilliant commentators point out below, Tebow completed 10 passes, averaging 31.6 yards per pass. . .Oh and this: the Steelers-Broncos game was the most-watched wild-card game since 1988. In the final quarter-hour, the overnight rating was 31.6. Weird stuff man, weird stuff.”

As it turns out, the lone interception thrown in the game on January 10 came from Ben Roethlisberger. What down and distance were involved when he threw it? Third and 16, of course.

   

“However, Tebow's expression of his Christian faith isn't always well-received and has occasionally become the focus of several parodies. ‘Tebowing’ quickly turned into an online meme, as web users photographed or videoed themselves taking a knee at random times, mimicking the quarterback's pause for prayer on the field. In December, a "Saturday Night Live" skit featured Jesus coming into the Broncos' locker room, asking Tebow to ‘take it down a notch.’”¹

But despite all of the flak, Tebow, perhaps unsurprisingly, had one person to thank after the January 10 win. "First and foremost I just want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He's done so much in my life," Tebow told the media, the Los Angeles Times reports.

If Tebow can express his beliefs in the way that he did, why can't we? Despite the criticism and silliness displayed, he still thanked Jesus. We must not be afraid of or be hostile towards people just because they disagree. They don't understand the Bible like most Christians. In fact, they hardly read the Bible; therefore, understanding very little of Christianity. If we are to impact people's lives, we are to be examples for others, like Tim Tebow, and many others.          

"Let no man despise thy youth; be an example of a believer in love, faith, conduct, and truth." 1 Tim 4:12

     Haiku

¹http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/john-316-tim-tebow-bible_n_1195221.html

Http://www.washingtonpost.com./blogs/under-god/post/tim-ebows-316-yards-fans-keep-the-faith-after-broncos-win/2012/01/08/gIQAYNLOkP_blog.html.

Also Google "Tim Tebow Billy Graham" and go to the Billy Graham website on the list of sites.

HAIKU