Why I’m Pulling for the Broncos

For the first time in my life, this long-time Dallas Cowboys fan cheered for the Denver Broncos on Sunday.  I cheered not because I am now a Broncos fan; I cheered because I wanted God to reward his faithful servant, Broncos quarterback, Tim Tebow, with a victory.  Tebow has been the object of ridicule because of his outward professions of his Christian faith.  After a touchdown, Tebow regularly prays with his head down, on bended knee (now labeled Tebowing) and has been vocal about his beliefs on interviews, giving God the glory after the Broncos’ victories.  After winning seven of his first eight games as a starter, the Tebow led Broncos lost the final three games of the season, limping into the playoffs.  Most experts didn’t think the Broncos had a chance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rated number one in team defense, but they forgot who Tebow had on his side.

     Tebow displayed his strongest performance to date as Broncos quarterback, breaking an NFL playoff record for most yards per completion with 31.6 and passing for 316 yards.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that on occasion, Tebow’s eye black is marked with the Bible verse John 3:16.

     However, it’s another passage that reminds me of Tebow.  In Acts 3, Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John, were arrested for speaking openly about the resurrection.  They were released but were strongly encouraged by the chief priests and elders to quit talking about Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”  When returning to the other Christ followers in their group, they did not appear shaken by their opposing religious leaders, praying that they would speak God’s word with “great boldness.”

     Tebow has spoken about his faith with great boldness and after the victory on Sunday, the skeptics are taking notice.  When some national television sports analysts were asked if they thought Tebow could lead the Broncos to a victory over the New England Patriots next weekend, they did not answer verbally.  Instead, they all put their heads on their fist and “Tebowed.”

     I don’t know if the Broncos will be able to beat the New England Patriots on Saturday night but I do know one thing, I will be cheering for Denver and will be praying for Tebow to have another opportunity to glorify God.