Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow touched the lives of his followers once again in a post celebrating the life of his father, who he said was ‘welcomed home’ by Christ after losing his battle with Parkinson’s disease. The elder Tebow, Bob, was a renowned Christian in his own right, serving as a missionary and introducing his oldest son to God at an early age.
As Yahoo! News reported, Tim Tebow’s Gator roots began before he was born, with his mother and father meeting in Gainesville before embarking on a life of Christian missionary worl. “ Bob Tebow and his wife met as students at the University of Florida and married in 1971. The couple later moved to the Philippines in 1985 to serve as Baptist missionaries and started a ministry. Two years later, Tim Tebow was born — the youngest of five children — and the family moved back to the United States in 1990,” the media outlet wrote.
Writing about his father’s passing, Tim Tebow took to the social media outlet LinkedIn to post about the news. “Heaven ushered in a hero of the faith last night as my Dad was welcomed home! Many will say sorry for your loss but the truth is he’s not lost, we know exactly where he is. He’s home. Forever!” Tebow said.
“I asked him last week what he looked forward to most about Heaven, and he simply said, ‘Jesus.’ He couldn’t wait to see Jesus face to face. Praise God that his wait is over. Death has been swallowed up in victory. He’s healed and whole now. So we don’t mourn as those with no hope. See you soon Dad!” his post finished.
Comments overflowed with both condolences and support. “We mourn the physical loss, but rejoice in the everlasting gain!! It is well with my soul! My mother once asked me, after we lost my dad at not an old age (68) & not long after, if I ever wondered why God took my husband at such a young age leaving me with too boys to raise,” one post began.
“I’m guessing she struggled with losing my dad at the time even after a few years. I simply said not at all! I still miss both on a daily (19 & 16yrs later), but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they, as your father, are waiting for me with open arms with Jesus. Praise be to God! I’m so glad you can celebrate in the mourning. A true testament to faith! Bless you & yours,” it continued and finished.
Another wrote: “People don’t understand that part. Does it ache absolutely but there’s also rejoicing for those who know that they are saved. Death was defeated at the cross. God bless you and your family. I lost my father while I was in prison and never got the opportunity to apologize for my negative actions. But I know he’s in heaven. Your outlook on life is phenomenal Brother, stay blessed.”
“I understand how you feel. My daddy went home to be with Jesus last year. I miss him but I know where he is and that brings me peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. The hard part is us missing them. They are in heaven rejoicing with Jesus,” said a third.