"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great..."
[UPDATE]: Due to the sheer volume of feedback received pointing out some other interesting, and quite symbolic stats—after the publishing of the story below—I felt it behooved me to include them: In addition to the fact that Tebow threw for a total of 316 yards (mentioned below), he also averaged 31.6 yards per completion. (Are the hairs on the back of your neck standing up yet?!) There are other rumors that contain 316 swirling around, however these were the ones that I was able to confirm. Because of the frequency of 316 appearing in the stats from Sunday's game, the Bible verse "John 3:16" was Googled over 90 million times, making it the "most searched Google term on Monday," according to the Washington Post. Who knows how many people may have been brought to the Lord by that one verse that spells out the message of the Gospel. No matter how you feel about "Tebow-mania," you cannot deny the impact this one life—surrendered to God—has made. This one person who almost wasn't born as the doctors advised Tim's mother to terminate her pregnancy. No wonder the enemy tried so hard to prevent his life!
By now even those who disdain football have likely heard of Tim Tebow. They may have even been privy to the water cooler remarks regarding the stunning finish to the playoff game this past weekend between "Big Ben" Rothlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tebow's Denver Broncos.
Just when I think enough has been said and written about this talented-yet-humble son of missionary parents, something else incredible—or miraculous, and in this case, pretty symbolic—happens that just can't be ignored! (Not that I would want to anyway.)
In fact, no one has ignored this fact—the entire internet is buzzing with it! But just in case you missed the statistical excitement that has caused a frenzy on the web and over airwaves this week, I'll explain.
A person who has a relationship with the Lord (and sometimes even those who don't), or really anyone who reads the Bible cannot deny that God seems to enjoy using symbolism—ie: certain numbers that may correspond to Scriptures, or have a significant Biblical numerical meaning behind them—to get our attention (or 'blow us away' as some would say).
After losing three straight games with disappointing stats, suddenly rumors had begun to fly that Tim Tebow was all but finished as the Denver starting QB. But on Sunday, along with an excellent performance by the rest of the team, Tebow led the Denver Broncos to an astounding overtime finish. One that ended with some very interesting numbers that seemed, well, emblematic, if you will.
Skeptics might write it off as "coincidence." If, however, one considers that God is the Author of coincidence, and therefore there is none, since "in Him we live and move and have our being," and everything He does has meaning and purpose; then the following numbers put up by Tim Tebow in Sunday's victory will be a treat.
Tebow threw the football for a career high: 316 yards.
That's right; 316. (Or 3:16, if you will.)
If that number sounds familiar in regards to Tim Tebow, it should. (Photo: Lynn Sladky/AP)
When in college, playing for the Florida Gators, Tim often wore the Scripture reference for John 3:16 in his eye black. Now in the NFL, messages on a player's uniform are not allowed—funny though, how that number came right back up. (Looks like God got the last word after all!)
Criticism of Tebow had grown very ugly prior to Sunday's game, even someone as optimistic as Tim must have felt that pressure. (Although he never showed it)
But in the end, the final stat on Tebow spoke loud and clear.
The Scripture, for those not familiar with John 3:16, is Jesus speaking to Nicodemus (who had sought Him out for clarification). In it, Jesus explains God's plan in sending His Son in order to bring eternal salvation to every person who believes in Him.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
That's the message that Tim Tebow has always shared...from eye-black to after-game press conferences; he always gives the glory to and thanks his "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
He's just a regular guy—albeit gifted—who shines the most by virtue of his humility, and who lives to please God and to touch others with God's love. That truly is what astounds even his critics the most.
As I read journalists from all kinds of media outlets, and numerous announcers on TV, so many of them offer a disclaimer that they're not "religious," but then go on to list Tebow's humble demeanor as being heartening and even refreshing to them amid a world full of narcissism. (Photo: Ron Chenoy/US Presswire)
That's what's so inspiring to me and should be to every Believer. This attitude isn't exclusive to Tim Tebow; this is how we all are called to live: humble before God, caring for and encouraging others; joyful and walking in His purposes for our lives.
Just for fun I looked up 1 Timothy 3:16—since the athlete in focus is a "Tim" —and it starts out by saying: "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great..." Boy, isn't THAT the truth! In case you're wondering, the rest of the verse goes on to proclaim Jesus, coming to the world for the world to believe. Sounds a bit like John 3:16, doesn't it?
"[Jesus] appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."
Either way you look at it, the Gospel is preached.
When I first saw the connection between Tebow's passing stats and Scripture in that last Denver game for the regular season, I thought perhaps a few people (most likely Christians) here and there might also recognize and write about it.
But just the incredible speed at which this connection was made by such a vast array of media outlets and reporters—let alone social networking—is astounding.
This simple 3-digit number, the Gospel message it represents, and the way it's spread across the world in just a few days…
Definitely a God thing.
14 comments:
He also threw 10 completions, which averages 31.6 yards per pass!
another 316 for Tim:
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
vs.17 . "so that the man of God (Tim Tebow)may be thorouoghly equipped for every good work."
...obvious to me where Tim gets his training!
HERE, HERE!
Another fact from Sunday night: Google reported the number one search that night and well into Monday morning was John 3:16. Who know's how many people searching out this verse became a born again believer that very night. What an impact this young man is having on the world!
316 total passing yards, 31.6 per ave. Big Ben threw interception 3rd &16 Steelers total time of possesion 31.06 and this i also heard I didn't verify Refs names were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John TGBATG This is a sign about the coming year! Season of miracles!
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
I'm sure there are more believers in this world today just by reading about Tim Tebow and the stats from his game. Whether you are a believer or not, God most definitely had the last word. Tim Tebow loves God and is a believer and teacher of the Word and for a what he does God blessed him and his team on January 8, 2012.
Doesn't the Holy Bible speak about 'in the last days' there will be SIGNS AND WONDERS? What do you say?
I thought of Isaiah, I don't know why but I frequently do. 31 v 6 says:
Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the LORD.
New Living Translation (©2007)
God is good and full of mercy.
from Australia where we play a different style (Kangaroo) football we see lots of other symbolisms in this man
- My family thought his name means what it sounds "Time to Bow" (TIMe 2BOW) as in bow the knee -
and this is what Tim does physically to show his spiritual honour of his Lord Jesus.
Reality check, people! Do you honestly think god really cares who wins a football game?
This hype merely shows the narcissism of we Americans.
A REAL miracle would be if there was just one day in which religious zealots didn't kill someone for no good reason.
I do have to agree with the last anonymous posting.. I don't think that God really is concerned about who wins a football game..Though Tebow did play exceptionally well and deserves credit for an upset in the football playoffs. Too many innocent people have been killed by religious zealots for sure...Let us all pray for a saner and more peaceful world.
To those "anonymous" who said they don't think God cares about a football game, for heavens sake....
He doesn't care about the football game as much as he cares about people. And if doing silly things like messing with statistics will get the attention of people enough for them to realize his incredible love for each person, he will do it. He loves YOU personally. If he had a wallet, your picture would be in it, and if he had a wallet with your picture in it, he would open it frequently to look at your picture. But he doesn't need a wallet and a picture to know who you are and to care about you with an infinite love.
To "Insignificant2MostSignificantto Jesus"
Excellent reply. It actually made me cry. God bless.
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