Eye-Black Inspiration

It's hard to imagine an athlete who has used his platform to spread the Gospel any better than University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. From his 2007 Heisman Trophy speech which he openly shared his faith in Jesus Christ, to his overseas mission trips, to his witnessing to men in prison; Tebow's impact for God's Kingdom has been well documented. He has also become known for putting Bible verses on his eye-black patches--he used John 3:16 during last year's BCS Championship game which resulted in over 93 million Google hits on the verse that is the summation of the Gospel and the source of our eternal security.

Yesterday, for the final home game of his remarkable college career, Tebow said he wanted to use a special verse on his eye-black and he chose Hebrews 12:1-2 ---Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Tebow's choice is a battle cry for each of us who strive to be the servant-leaders that God has called us to be. It is a reminder that we live in a world that is watching us and that we have many distractions that undermine our spiritual growth. It is a reminder that we battle the allure of sin and that our Christian walk requires endurance and perseverance through difficulties. But more importantly, it is a reminder of the One to whom we must always keep our focus upon. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, became sin, so that we could become righteous. He is now seated with the Father in Heaven; continually serving as an advocate for those of us who call upon His name.