Applied Theology

by James T. Bartsch


The Bible and Contemporary Topics

"...for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." 1 Corinthians 16:9




























When God closes a door, He opens a window

Seldom has there been a more polarizing figure in the NFL than Tim Tebow. Tebow was good enough as a college player to win the Heisman Trophy as a combination passing / running quarterback. But his awkward throwing style and demonstrable inaccuracy on the professional level have made him an easy target for criticism. But Tebow is also polarizing because of his outspoken faith in Jesus Christ.

Still, in his partial year of starting, he was a winner. He led the Denver Broncos to the playoffs, where they upset the Pittsburgh Steelers. But they lost the next game, and Tebow’s inaccuracy didn’t help the Broncos any. General Manager John Elway traded Tebow to the New York Jets.

Last year Tebow had a less than remarkable season as a back-up QB with the Jets. When starting QB Mark Sanchez was injured, the coach leap-frogged over Tebow and named the 3rd string QB to fill in. Finally, this spring the Jets drafted a college QB, and dumped Tebow. No other NFL team even made a move for him, and some wondered if his playing days in the NFL were over.

But Tebow had at least one fan. Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, appreciated Tebow’s work ethic, character, and even complimented him on his spirituality. “I find that very appealing about him,” he remarked. So the Patriots offered Tebow a contract as a backup QB. But there were hints that he might need to prepare for other positions as well.

The Patriots possess perhaps the best tight end tandem in all of football. But cracks have appeared in the dam. Rob Gronkowski has had three surgeries on his forearm this past off-season. But just recently, he was forced to undergo back surgery. He probably won’t even be able to practice during training camp that begins in July.

But then, out of the blue, the other tight end, Aaron Hernandez, has come under a cloud of suspicion. It didn’t help any when he fired a gun in the face of a friend. The friend lost an eye and has filed a civil suit against Hernandez. But the Patriots’ world has really been rocked in the last couple of days with word that Hernandez is being questioned about the death of another man. If Hernandez is apprehended with murder charges, it is unlikely he will be playing football any time soon.

No one can predict the future. But it looks strangely as though God may be providing Tim Tebow with at least an opportunity to play tight end with the New England Patriots.

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15



(Scripture quotation taken from the NASB.)


Published June 20, 2013

Updated March 25, 2014

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