Tom Brady, #12, with the New England Patriots has been called the greatest quarterback in the NFL.
This past week it was announced that he would be suspended for four games and the Patriots have been fined one million dollars.
Why? Allegedly he has been accused of knowing and encouraging the deflation of footballs during a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. According to the Wells Report, “It was more probable than not” that Tom Brady “was generally aware of ‘inappropriate activities.’” (I know, it sounds like quite a case!) Of course Brady has the full support of the New England Patriots organization and most of us who call New England our home.
As I scan the social media, our friends outside of New England don’t seem to be all that supportive. It always amazes me how so many people rejoice when others are suffering. (Especially if their quarterback doesn’t have four Super Bowl rings!)
I don’t know whether or not Tom Brady did anything wrong. I know that some people are saying, “Everybody does it!” I know as a parent, we tried to not make that a reasonable excuse for wrong behavior. As a person who lives in New England, not very far from Gillette Stadium, I sure hope that Brady is exonerated and wins his appeal.
But as a pastor, I take a moment to reflect on God’s grace and mercy. If (and that’s a big IF) Mr. Brady did break the rules he should admit it, ask forgiveness, and pay the consequences. I’m sure he will find that most of us in New England would be happy to forgive the psi sins. (Not sure about people in New York, Philadelphia, or Indianapolis).
Moses told the children of Israel, before they entered the Promised Land, “…you may be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) Somehow secret sins don’t remain secret for long; hidden errors eventually come out in the light. The Bible teaches that “all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23) We all make foolish, wrong, and sinful choices from time to time. But God’s grace—his mercy and forgiveness none of us deserve—is available to all as his gift through Jesus Christ.
In 2009, Tom Brady gave an interview to New York Times reporter Mark Leibovich. Leibovich notes Bibles all over Brady’s home. Evidently believers were sending him copies of the Good Book.
If Mr. Brady is innocent—if he has been falsely accused—I trust the truth will come out and he will be vindicated.
If not, I pray he picks up one of those Bibles and reads Colossians 1:13-14:
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
That’s God’s grace—available not only to Tom Brady—but to you and me as well.
This past week it was announced that he would be suspended for four games and the Patriots have been fined one million dollars.
Why? Allegedly he has been accused of knowing and encouraging the deflation of footballs during a playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. According to the Wells Report, “It was more probable than not” that Tom Brady “was generally aware of ‘inappropriate activities.’” (I know, it sounds like quite a case!) Of course Brady has the full support of the New England Patriots organization and most of us who call New England our home.
As I scan the social media, our friends outside of New England don’t seem to be all that supportive. It always amazes me how so many people rejoice when others are suffering. (Especially if their quarterback doesn’t have four Super Bowl rings!)
I don’t know whether or not Tom Brady did anything wrong. I know that some people are saying, “Everybody does it!” I know as a parent, we tried to not make that a reasonable excuse for wrong behavior. As a person who lives in New England, not very far from Gillette Stadium, I sure hope that Brady is exonerated and wins his appeal.
But as a pastor, I take a moment to reflect on God’s grace and mercy. If (and that’s a big IF) Mr. Brady did break the rules he should admit it, ask forgiveness, and pay the consequences. I’m sure he will find that most of us in New England would be happy to forgive the psi sins. (Not sure about people in New York, Philadelphia, or Indianapolis).
Moses told the children of Israel, before they entered the Promised Land, “…you may be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) Somehow secret sins don’t remain secret for long; hidden errors eventually come out in the light. The Bible teaches that “all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23) We all make foolish, wrong, and sinful choices from time to time. But God’s grace—his mercy and forgiveness none of us deserve—is available to all as his gift through Jesus Christ.
In 2009, Tom Brady gave an interview to New York Times reporter Mark Leibovich. Leibovich notes Bibles all over Brady’s home. Evidently believers were sending him copies of the Good Book.
If Mr. Brady is innocent—if he has been falsely accused—I trust the truth will come out and he will be vindicated.
If not, I pray he picks up one of those Bibles and reads Colossians 1:13-14:
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
That’s God’s grace—available not only to Tom Brady—but to you and me as well.
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