The Testimony of the Irrelevant Brock Purdy
My mind takes me back to an occasion a few decades ago. I spoke at an NFL team’s pregame chapel service. The Chaplain who invited me told me the renowned quarterback of the team was a a faithful attender. “Does he know the Lord?” I inquired. “Well … “ responded the Chaplain, “He says he does, but considers it a completely private matter.”
When met with this response I always wonder if a person really understands the gravity of our sins and the incredible price that Jesus Christ paid for us on the cross. How can I not tell others about Him and what He has done for me? How can I not be burdened for my friends, my coworkers, my neighbors, my family? How can I not share the good news - the most important news that any of us will hear during the course of an entire lifetime?
This future Hall of Famer sat in the front row as I spoke to him along with a number of his teammates. My basic message was a biblical response to the question: “What do you have that you have not been given?” Athletic ability is a talent or gift given by God … and with it comes opportunities and responsibilities.
In the course of my message I told the story of a man with whom I had had the privilege of developing a strong friendship. Dr. Trevor Mabery - now home with the Lord - was a gifted surgeon trained at the Mayo Clinic by Dr. Mayo himself. Trevor had hands that were rather small which allowed him to perform complicated, intricate surgery. Dr. Mayo’s confidence in Dr. Mabery was such that he actually requested Trevor conduct surgery on his behalf.
Then one day while playing softball my friend Trevor severely injured his right hand. His career as a surgeon was suddenly in jeopardy. It was then that in a time of prayer he felt as though the Lord posed the question, “Who gave you those hands?” Trevor was deeply humbled; and the Lord graciously healed his hand - except for a slight portion of his right index finger. He viewed this as his constant reminder from the Lord that his hands were a gift from God.
Did this quarterback see the parallel to the lesson Trevor learned? I do not know. In the years that have followed I have never heard or seen him publicly acknowledge any faith in Christ. He was provided a number of high profile opportunities and successes, but to my knowledge never used them to point people to the Savior.
In stark contrast consider “Mr. Irrelevant” - Brock Purdy. Even if you have no interest in the Super Bowl you will be encouraged by the testimony of this twenty-four year old who was the last player selected in the 2022 NFL draft. And hence the title - “Mr. Irrelevant.” He looks unassuming, and even younger than his twenty-four years. By NFL standards most believed he was lacking the size and speed to succeed as a quarterback in the NFL. He has proven the naysayers wrong and given credit to the grace of God working in his life.
Purdy has had tremendous success leading the San Francisco 49ers and has from day one shared his commitment to honoring Jesus Christ with his life and career. He knows who he is in Christ, and he knows that he has a wonderful opportunity to proclaim Christ to millions of viewers.
The Lord in His sovereignty has positioned Brock Purdy to proclaim the Savior to millions of people who will watch the Super Bowl on Sunday evening.
But what about us? Do we not also have an “audience” of those who watch our lives - daily listening to our words, observing our actions? To whom has the Lord called us to present the message of Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead? It is not so much the number of people we reach as it is our faithfulness in honoring whatever opportunities we are given. You may never be the member of a professional sports team, and I most certainly will not, but the Lord has strategically placed specific individuals in our purview with His divine purposes in mind. How will we respond? Will we accept the challenge to do all that our Lord has prepared for us to do? It is never too late to heed the call.
As darkness seems to blanket the globe, may the Lord use us to be the light of the gospel. What a privilege … sharing the message that has changed our lives … asking the Lord for opportunities to proclaim that message to those He places in our path today, tomorrow - every day - until He calls us Home.
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Corinthians 4:3-5
We welcome your partnership in our ministry.
For the Gospel,
Pastor John Nieder
P.S. Just saw this article in the Jerusalem Post. The writer draws a parallel between the Brock Purdy and the Nation of Israel! Interesting.
Link to Article
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