Football And Praise of our Lord Jesus

 Football And Praise of our Lord Jesus


From my youth I have been very interested in sports--mostly the "American" games of baseball, football, and basketball.  This passion included both the professional leagues and the college teams (mostly from Iowa, [of course!]).

 

However, several years ago, when woke politics and the promotion of sodomy, etc., was imposed on the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NCAA, I pretty much cut my heart's strings loose from those organizations.  Still, I always understood that the athletes themselves--or, at least, many of them--were not to be slandered through "guilt by association."

 

. . . Now, enter the Houston Texans.  Some of you may be asking, "Who are the Houston Texans?"  They are an NFL (National Football League) team; and, I have to admit, I have become a real fan of theirs.  (True confession!)  I do not want to imply that the Houston Texans are the only professional (or college) team that exhibits the traits I hope to elucidate (below)--it is just that I have become aware of them (quite recently).

 

It turns out, that the Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans, along with his star quarterback CJ Stroud, and also his outstanding linebacker Will Anderson, Jr., are very outspoken Christians; and they are not ashamed of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ or His gospel of grace.

 

. . . The older I get, the more I sincerely appreciate people like these men.  I really like the fact that they say things like, "First of all, all the glory and praise goes to the Lord Jesus Christ," when they are being interviewed after their games.

 

Now, I am not naive enough, to suppose that every time we hear something like this, that we should be signing these men up to be speaking in our church's pulpits, etc.--but I genuinely cherish what they are doing; and they have my unfeigned Christian love, as I consider them dear brothers in the Lord.

 

Those of you who know me, might be saying, "Yes, Pastor Mark, but what about the fact that many of the games these men play in are held on the Sabbath Day, Sunday, the Lord's Day?  Is this not a violation of the Fourth Commandment; and, because of this, how can you take any pleasure in what these men have to say?"

 

This is a fair question; and it is a relevant one.  My answer goes along these lines: "Yes, you are right about the Sabbath Day.  We can take no pleasure in its being broken.  But, we live in a broken world; and even much of the Christian world does not understand the nature and glory of the Lord's Day.  Let us be gracious with these men; and appreciate them.  Let us do what we can for them/serve them/and love them.  At the same time, let us share their joy and Spirit-graced boldness in speaking praise of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ."

 

So, bottom line: I am a fan.  I really love these guys; and I very much value what they are doing and saying.  Anybody who has the courage to joyfully proclaim their praise of our beautiful Savior before the watching world has my attention and respect.

 

Will the Texans beat the Patriots; and then go on to win another game that would decide the AFC title; and then proceed to prevail in the Super Bowl?  Only God knows.  But, if they do, (or even if they do not), I think we are going to hear words of praise of our glorious Redeemer coming from these men--and many people in the culture will hear them.

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #64

15 January 2026

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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