Neal Pollard
Yesterday, professional football fans saw one of the most exciting, improbable victories in its history climaxed by the stunning first play from scrimmage in overtime when Tebow hit Thomas for a playoff, overtime record 80 yards in a playoff, overtime record 11 seconds. Local play-by-play man Dave Logan’s call, which will likely go down in Bronco lore, captures how monumental it was for the underdog Denver team. If you watch ESPN, there will be several highlights of passes, runs, and defensive plays. However, without a doubt, the best play of the day happened up in the stands, almost on the front row in the seats at the 15 yard line. The game was tied, 23-23, and it was about 5:45 P.M. The outcome was completely unknown and very much in doubt. The last minute of regulation, alone, was a pins and needles affair. It was right about then that a Christian husband and father, a deacon in this congregation, told his son, “It’s time for us to go.” The son, a huge Tim Tebow and Broncos fan, was curious as to why. His dad explained, “We’ve got something more important to do.”
Wait a minute. What is more important than seeing on the biggest sports moments in this town in years? That father knew that the saints were assembling at 6:00 P.M., and he wanted his son to know that worshipping God was the highest priority. Here is a father who is raising his son to enjoy and appreciate those normal “guy things” that will be a source of entertainment for this young man for decades to come. But, he is also teaching him something infinitely more important! Those earthly diversions and entertainments are subordinate to “kingdom matters” (Mat. 6:33). This father was showing his son Who reigns on the throne of his heart. I pray that this man’s example will influence us all to remember what really matters most in the end.
Thanks, Dean! What a great “play”!
Thanks for these inspiring words.
AMEN!
I don’t know where the family worships but if they waited till 5:45 to get up I don’t think they made it on time. A good lesson on assembling but maybe they needed to still leave a little earlier. Hopefully they were across the street from their local congregation!!!
They made it by 6 PM. The stadium is not far away and they were here by the announcements. All in all, I think it was the right call and the proper example.
That is awesome! Great example of teaching!
Wonderful article…also amazing to see my husband and others who left before the outcome to go to services….wonderful
Excellent lesson for everyone today. Whether it’s football or some other worldly entertainment, nothing should take precedence over our God.
Thanks for sharing!
I fully agree with Kevin – AMEN and AMEN!!! Fantastic example for us all!!
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Good article. Do you mind if I use it in our bulletin.
Thx
Bob Bauer
Sure brother. Glad for you, too. To God be the glory.
Yes, I know…I left at half time to be at worship on time. Would love to have seen the game but worship was far more important.
It would be wonderful if our nation could go back to the times when ballgames were not scheduled during worship times.