NFL Postseason Play -- Teams in the Bible
In just three weeks, as many as 100 million people will tune into the Super Bowl to watch the final game of the National Football League season. As of this weekend, only eight of the 32 teams were left in the running, four of which are mentioned in the Bible. Well, maybe the "teams" aren't mentioned in God's word (it's understandable that God was more concerned with righteousness and salvation than professional football) but the mascots of these four teams are mentioned in the Bible.
In Genesis 8, after the rain of 40 days and nights had ceased, Noah began the process of investigating whether or not the water had subsided enough such that dry land was present. In verse seven, Noah sent out a Raven. Later, Noah would send out a dove which would eventually bring back an olive leaf in her mouth which was a sign that the flood waters had finally subsided.
Later in the same book, we see the first time that Colts are mentioned in the Bible. After their estrangement, Jacob was greatly afraid of what his older brother Esau would do to him now that they were meeting for the first time in years. Esau decided to provide Jacob with a long list of valuable animals, including "30 milk camels and their colts" (Genesis 32:15). Of course, the most famous colt in the Bible appears in the New Testament when the Son of Man is set on a colt shortly before He was crucified (Luke 19:35).
A third NFL team with a strong Biblical presence is first found in Deuteronomy 33:2, Moses said that God came with, "ten thousands of Saints." In the New Testament, the term "Saints" is used over 60 times to describe Christians who were separate from the world and had been added to the Lord's church. Each Christian today is a Saint -- God views each of us as special and dedicated servants in His cause.
Finally, in Habakkuk 1:8, the prophet relays God's message that the Babylonians were coming to ravage Judah and would do so with their powerful forces. Habakkuk wrote that, "their Chargers charge ahead." Habakkuk was concerned as he didn't know what would become of God's people and God's plan but as with all things, God continued to guarantee that those who follow Him are protected.
Watching professional football is entertaining. But perhaps even more so, thinking about some of the team names might cause us to remember their Biblical uses and the many, valuable lessons these stories teach us even today.