Monday, November 29, 2010

C'mon Stevie, Blaming God, Really?

By now most of us have seen the non-stop video clip of Buffalo Bills wide receiver, Steve Johnson dropping a game-winning pass in the end zone against the Pittsburgh Steelers during overtime on Sunday. See the video here if the NFL hasn't asked them to take it down yet.

Johnson shares a flair for the dramatic and showboating with receivers like T.O. and Ocho Cinco (formerly Chad Johnson).

Johnson was understandably upset about the dropped ball in post-game interviews. However, I don't think anyone was prepared for his post-game Tweet blaming God for the dropped pass!


I'm not sure I can even respond to this. Steve, please, you're not really blaming God for dropping a pass? Tell me you don't really believe God actually cares about football, let alone favoring one team over another? Perhaps you've been drinking the Auburn Kool-Aid of Coach Gene Chizik who referred to his Auburn Tiger's September win over Clemson as a "God-thing"?

Steve, perhaps you need to join a decent Bible study, of which there are many among NFL players to gain further insight to the things of God. You might be suprised to see that football isn't even on the list. Neither is golf, personal wealth, and the pursuit of material possessions. Actually on the latter Jesus even notes the difficulty of seeking those things and remaining righteous. Perhaps former NFL and Superbowl winning coach, and unapologetic Christ-follower, Tony Dungy can explain this to you.

Your Tweet seems to indicate that you are linking God's favor as a reward for your public praise for Him. "I praise you 24/7..." If we follow this logic/theology through, it would be like expecting to catch a touchdown pass just because you praised God. So, because you dropped the pass, it's God's fault? I see, God must be a Steelers fan. Let's see, Jesus constantly brought glory, public glory to God and yet, He was wrongfully accused, beaten, spit upon, paraded like an animal and crucified. If I follow your football pass theology then that would mean God didn't like Jesus, or made Jesus experience all of this?

Stevie, this is as crazy as when a political party claims propietery rights to God at the exclusion of another party, or candidate. If I understand this correctly it would mean that God is concerned about sports and the outcomes of sporting events at the exclusion of the things Scripture says He's concerned about: the broken,wounded, hurting, widows, orphans, social injustice, prejudice, gossip, hatred, malice, anger, blasphemy, justice, mercy, humility, the pursuit of righteousness, grace and uconditional love, among other things. Let me suggest you begin your biblical search in Isaiah 55:8-9 as you consider your theological Tweets.

At the end of the day, your comments are like a lot of mine. They are about you and not about God. If you read Romans 7 -8 you will discover that we imperfect and flawed humans tend to do that. We make ourselves (even things like football games, or our teams) the center of attention, instead of God. Thanks Steve, you've reminded me of a simple, but important biblical truth, this is about God, NOT me.

An oldie but goodie from Straight No Chaser

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Reilly The Band - Sunlight

Sunlight, Daybreak by John M. Reilly Jr

You are the treasure that I am after
Some look for riches, some look for power
Just give me eyes to behold your beauty
To keep me lost in wonder after wonder

You are the father of every prodigal
Running into the arms of sick and soiled souls
You make me whiter than the winter's snow
You cover over the ashes on the inside

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

You're in the whisper between two lovers
Igniting passion long after the altar
You are the reason I sing
You are the reason I sing

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

You shine a white light into my blind eyes
And now I've seen you truly for the first time
This revelation of my desperation
Brings me to Calvary, brings me to salvation
You resurrect me, You rearrange me
You make my heart beat to another symphony
You've pursued me like you think I'm worthy
And savior now I know that I do not deserve this

Sunlight
Daybreak
Chasing all my shadows away

Thursday, November 11, 2010