Is God a Broncos Fan?

I have been a football fan since before I could walk. In fact, my birth was scheduled around a college football game (Nebraska vs CU - A huge rival in the late eighties early nineties. Go Huskers!). I remember my mom telling a story of being in the hardware store where they had a random football game on. Someone yelled touchdown and my little ten-month-old arms flew up in the air. My parents took me out of school in February of 1998, and again in 1999 to watch the Broncos Superbowl parade. I will never forget seeing grown men cry because they've waited their whole lives to see John Elway hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Football is in my veins.

But about 3 years ago, something new pumped through my veins- Jesus. The gospel ruled my life. I saw God change me and shape me in ways I never imagined. I was able to forgive people I never thought I could. I made friendships deeper than I had ever known. I saw hope in the face of heart break. I got the chance to deeply and intimately know my savior.

So why am I telling you these seemingly unrelated things about myself? Because I want you to know where I'm coming from. I love Jesus more than anything. But I love the Denver Broncos a whole lot too. I have a foot in both camps. I'm not just a sports writer trying to understand Tim Tebow. And I'm not just a Christian blogger trying to understand football.

Tim Tebow is a phenomenon. He's the number 3 on Google trends right now. The Denver Broncos are a sub-par team that keeps pulling off last minute victories under his guidance. And people are baffled.

There are probably eighty million articles on Tebow. People praise him and people mock him. He is the most polarizing person in professional sports today.

Yesterday, I had the chance to go see Tebow and my beloved Broncos in action against the Chicago Bears. My amazing mother gave tickets to me and my brother Garrett.

Me and my not-so-little brother, Garrett

For nearly 50 football minutes we screamed and yelled in frustration as catch after catch was dropped and balls were fumbled. We were down 10-0 with not much time left on the clock. We were sitting by these two Bears fans, and had a chance to talk to them a bit during the game. At one point my new friend turned to me and said "I'll give you this, with Tebow it's never over"

And sure enough we came back to tie with less than five minutes on the clock. And then after a lucky fumble (which I totally saw coming by the way! Garrett is my witness!) we got the ball back in overtime and Matt Prater saved the day by kicking a 51 yard field goal. 

I was screaming my face off. I was jumping up and down, high-fiving everyone in my section and so thankful I had the opportunity to see a Broncos win in real life. 

And then I turned to the guy next to me, who I had spent 3 hours getting to know and talking football and said "I'm sorry man, I really am" I could see his utter disappointment in falling to the Broncos hype. 

"Thanks. But I have to tell you, I'm starting to believe God really is a Broncos fan after this"

I chuckled and wished him a safe drive home. But then I really started thinking. This is how most people see it. Last night my newsfeed on facebook was flooded with praises to God for winning in overtime. A friend even posted "If God isn't a Broncos fan, why are sunsets blue and orange?", recalling a bumper sticker that's been floating around Colorado for years and recently taken on new meaning. 

So is God a Broncos fan? Does he care if one team beats another? 

I really really don't think so. God's desire is that He would get all the glory, meaning that people would see Him and His character because of what happens. 

That's what he asks of those who follow him, including Tim Tebow, Brian Dawkins, Drew Brees, Albert Pujols, Seth Smith, Trevor Bayne, and me. And maybe you. 

God says "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do (including play professional sports), do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31- parentheses are mine)

God wants to bring Glory to Himself because He is the only one worth it. He is the only one who is perfect. If anyone or anything got honor and praise before God, it would be like worshiping a dirty germ filled rag over pure silk.

God also gives promises to those who follow him. He says that "with God all things are possible" and that we "can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives us strength"

God honors his promises, both to me and to Tim Tebow and to anyone else that is trusting Jesus for forgiveness of their sins. Not only honoring promises to "work all things for good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose" but also to have eternal and everlasting life - much more important than winning a football game.

So does God have a favorite football team? No. Does God honor and bless those who follow him? Absolutely. 

God has more important things to worry about than if the Broncos win the AFC West. God's heart is for those who don't yet know Him. He wants all to come to a saving knowledge of him.

He wants to use those people (like Tebow) to help in his plan. God's plan from the very beginning of time was to redeem the world. He wants to fix the broken- starting with humanity. He wants to extend his loving grace to us, because He knows that on our own we can not be perfect. 

I know this grace. Tim Tebow, Brian Dawkins and Drew Brees know this grace. Do you? 

If you don't you can. Check out one of these websites or email me and we can talk about what God's grace means to you personally.

• Every Student
• The Story
• Know Him Personally

If you do know this grace and want to be a part of God's plan to redeem the world go here:

• Beholding Glory Resources
• Every Student

If you want to use Tim Tebow's faith as a conversation starter go here:

• Tim Tebow and the Gospel
• Eternity Impact

My heart bleeds for people to know Jesus and the grace he offers. When that has a chance to intersect one of my other passions I jump up and down. I could probably write a whole book on it. 

If you've been challenged, encouraged, or just generally enjoyed today's post would you take a minute to share it with a friend? And don't forget to subscribe over on the sidebar. You can have more stories of Jesus, College Students and Life delivered straight to your inbox or favorite RSS reader. 

In the words of Tim Tebow- God Bless and Go Broncos!

On my way to #1000 gifts with Ann

     27. Free tickets to the Broncos game

     28. Getting to go to church with my baby brother

     29. The unusually warm December weather on Sunday

     30. A fun rock and roll show with a ton of great friends

     31. Excitement over how God is leading in tons of different places

     32. Nearing 60% of my support goal

     33. Getting to spend a bunch of time with my dear friends Malcolm and Leah

     34. Food in my fridge and a roof over my head

     35. Friends willing to pray at the drop of a hat

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