Giant's Tyree, The Shack, and Jesus

I watched an interview on ESPN yesterday in which a Giant's receiver, David Tyree, was talking about the Super Bowl and, in particular, his participation in it. Tyree, who was on the receiving end of what is considered one of the greatest plays in the history of the Super Bowl, made a statement that seems normal or expected on the onset, but it shows something much deeper. He said that "I feel like God has guided and directed all of his life for this one moment." Wow! I mean that is a cool statement. However, that is one heck of a downer. What do you do when you wake up tomorrow? What about next season? Do you wake up and replay the catch over and over to relive the climax of your life? Do you play seasons to try and recapture the magic of that one play?

Is that what we are telling our kids in Sunday School? "Listen, kids." the teacher says, "One day you will all grow up big and tall, and, if you really love and trust God, He will guide and direct you to do something truly great as the climax of your life. Like...catch an inspiring pass towards the end of a Super Bowl game at the age of 28. No, Timmy... not relieving oppression, not alleviating hunger and thirst, not salving hurts and sickness, not eliminating war, not promoting peace without violence, not forgiving and reconciling the most painful pains in the world, and not participating in the dynamic Kingdom of Heaven that is here on this earth as it is in heaven... No students, God will guide and direct you to fame, money, influence, and highlight reals. He will guide you to a 25 yard pass on a 3rd Down that needed 10 yards that will set up a first down and a game-winning touchdown 30 seconds later to one of your teammates in the biggest and last game of the season in a sport called professional football. Then, you will know that this was your purpose in life."

Do not get me wrong. I think that Tyree was speaking from his heart and competitive emotion, and I do not want to downplay (too much) his faith claim because it is important to hear that from sport stars (and anyone for that matter.) But, maybe God had guided him to that point and place, and he blew it. He had the stage and the opportunity to tell the world about his God, but he focused on the catch. He had the opportunity to tell about his faith, and (I fear) he did. However, I want no part of a health-and-wealth, immaculate reception, God-will-bless-you-if-you-do-good Gospel. If our faith is moving us toward moments that will become cool highlights, interesting statistics, or forgetful memories, I am out!

O, for a Faith that desires more than this world and this culture has to offer! O, for a God who guides us to moments of true greatness for His glory! O, for the Mindset that desires to become less so that God will become more! O, for 1000 tongues to sing of the great REDEEMER's praise (not ours) because of what we do in the world!


Also, I recently finished a book called "The Shack" by a man named William Young. This is a touching story about a father who loses his daughter at an early age. This fanciful and mysterious story has been heralded as the next "Pilgrim's Progress." It is a great read. It is emotionally tugging, and it has the amazing ability to have anyone project his or her self into the story. I highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure.


I am trying to become aware of any ways in which I can live missionally in ministry. Quite simply, the whole idea of the movement is a non-institutional, grass roots assembly of believers. And, I love and embrace that idea. But, I also have a heart for those in the "system" now. I want them to embrace it as well. I think it starts with me, so I am trying to see what I can do and who I can be.