DAILY DOSE OF HOPE – BLOG – NAIMA LETT
God & Sports: Is He Pulling for Your Team?
© NaimaLett.com/blog
© Reuters, Quarterback Tim Tebow & Linebacker Ray Lewis
Does God care who wins the Playoffs? The Super Bowl?
Is He pulling for your team?
If we pray hard enough, can we secure a win?
According to two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XXXV Most Valuable Player Ray Lewis, who has spent all 17 years of his illustrious career with the Baltimore Ravens, the answer to those questions would probably be a resounding “Yes!”
But is that true?
No Weapon
“No weapon formed against us! No weapon!” exclaimed Lewis SAT in his post-game interview when asked what made him think his Ravens could break the Broncos’ 11-game streak.
Lewis then turned and hugged Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning who came over to congratulate him, and didn’t miss a beat, “No weapon. No weapon. God is amazing. And when you believe in Him. Man believes in the possible. God believes in the impossible. And I told you guys last night. Our team was so confident that everything was against us. But we found a way to come in here together. And we’re leaving here together. It’s just awesome…”
OK, I’m a preacher. I love God’s Word, but does this strike anybody else as a curious use of Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn…”?
When God gave that prophecy to Isaiah, it seemed to be in reference to Israel’s restoration. We might even be able to stretch the context to encourage God’s people. But the reason for winning an NFL playoff game? Congratulations to Ray Lewis. Awesome career! This is his last season. Kudos for being so vocal about his faith, but let’s try to keep the scriptures in context.
I’m Not Hating, Fam, For Real
I watched the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens battle into double overtime on Saturday in 13-degree freezing temps. It looked unbearably cold from where I sat in my living room in LaLa Land, but the fans were pumped up.
I was pulling for the Broncos because 2 of my brother-friends are die-hard fans, and they lost by a field goal; but believe me, I’m not hating on the Ravens. I’m just pointing out that we should use caution in throwing out scriptures as if God actually cares who wins or loses a football game. If anything, I think He cares more about how the game is played and how we as people treat one another.
The NFL is a JOB
When it’s all said and done, the athletes are doing a job. They are employed to play for everyone’s entertainment. The NFL is a business. Professional athletes weather pain, injuries, freezing temperatures, long absences from their families and are compensated financially for their sacrifices. I believe God looks at each person’s heart and how they fulfill their on-the-job commitment.
Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Tim Tebow and all of us will have to answer for all of our actions, on and off the field.
God’s Side
Was God on Tim Tebow’s side just last year when he was still with the Broncos and then left Tebow this year in a tough, almost non-existent season with New York? Ten minutes ago, Tebow told FOX, “I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.” Sounds to me like he still thinks God is on his side, regardless of which team he’s with or his winning or losing record for the season.
Instead of trying to obligate God with scripture to back our teams, how bout we make sure we’re on His team and live like He lives, love like He loves, and enjoy the entertainment.
Alright! That being said, “Lord, can you please bless Hot-Lanta to smash the 49-ners this Sunday, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” (No disrespect to the 49-ners, as I do live in CA now and love it! :=)
LOL,
Naima
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