“Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.'” — Luke 10:23-24
In God’s Eyes
Throughout the 150 years of American college football, which is being recognized in 2019, many milestones have marked changes in the sport and in society. In 2011, a television special compiled by ESPN’s SEC Network profiled the beginning of a new era in Southeastern Conference football — the emergence of an African-American quarterback. Condredge Holloway started at signal caller for the University of Tennessee from 1972 to 1974. He almost chose a professional baseball career prior to that with the Montreal Expos, but turned down a hefty signing bonus, and eventually became a two-sport star during his time with the Volunteers.
Holloway would make his mark mainly as a quarterback, leading the “Big Orange” to three bowl games. He passed for 3,000 yards and had the lowest touchdown-to-interception ratio in school history. In the 1975 NFL Draft, he was selected by the New England Patriots, but as a defensive back rather than a quarterback. Despite the disappointment, Condredge decided to take his talent to the Canadian Football League, building a Hall of Fame career.
Racial prejudice has existed around the world for many years. The Jewish people of the Bible felt hatred toward the neighboring Samaritans. However, “the parable of the Good Samaritan” was used by our Lord Jesus Christ to explain how God views all humanity. Luke 10:25-37 records the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who was attacked and left beaten on the side of the road. Jesus described how two prominent men in society — a priest and a Levite — passed by the suffering man. Then, in verses 33-35, He introduced a Samaritan, the unlikeliest of heroes. This foreigner set the greatest example of serving God by helping the stranger to safety.
The parable was effective in Jesus’ day, and still serves as a reminder to all of us that God sees no color when it comes to His love for people.
— Allen Kent, Kathleen, Ga.
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