Tebow & Numerology: A Double-Edged Sword

I hate being Captain Wet Blanket, yet I still make the choice to act like one. So here we go. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you likely know that Tim Tebow had a remarkable game in the first round of the playoffs. His Broncos won Sunday when he found Demaryius Thomas for an 80 yard TD pass on the first play from scrimmage in overtime.

It was awesome. We were pulling for the Broncos and I hope they beat the Pats next week. Again, I have nothing against Tebow. I think he’s a good guy and wish him all the success in the world.

A lot has been made by Christians of the fact that he passed for 316 yards and averaged 31.6 yards per completion (which are, statistically-speaking, two highly impressive numbers) because of John 3:16. Therefore it must be a sign! (And again, I’m compelled to say that I love the sixteenth verse of John’s third chapter; the whole scene with Nicodemus is beautiful).

But here’s the thing. Numerology can be a bit of a mixed bag. Why do we go hunting for Bible verses when Tebow passes for 316 yards and wins but not 60 yards and loses? Then there’s the problem that the Gospel of John does not contain the only biblical number combo of “3,” “1,” & “6.” Let’s say God was saying something to us through a stat line. Who’s to say the message isn’t Psalm 31:6?

I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
as for me, I trust in the Lord.

So you see, getting hung up on numerology is a bit of a double-edged sword. Ooh! As a matter of fact:

Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. - Judges 3:16

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