Yes, this is a sports-related post. For you who are not sports enthusiasts, read on anyway, there’s more to it than that.

Michael Vick is a convicted felon. He served two years in prison for running a dog-fighting operation where innocent animals were subjected to unspeakable cruelties. And last night, he capped a chilling and swift climb back to the life he once took for granted by turning in a historic performance during Monday Night Football, where he basically enjoyed the best night an NFL quarterback has ever had on a football field. Ever.

All along his journey, there have been endless questions about whether he “deserved” a second chance at playing football. Whether a team would be putting its morality into question for signing him. Had he been punished enough for his wrongdoings? Should the NFL refuse to let him back in the game? As he worked his way back into a starting QB role with the Eagles, the questions continued. And now, after a freakish and unbelievable athletic display in front of the entire football-watching nation, the first questions I heard on talk radio this morning were:  Has Michael Vick been redeemed? Is it okay to actually root for him now? Has he paid enough of a price?

I’m sorry. Since when is it our place to determine whether someone has been redeemed? No matter what sins they have committed. Why is it second nature for us to assume the authority and the responsibility for determining when someone else has “paid enough” for his or her wrongdoings? Yes, I understand there are legal penalties involved with criminal activity. And those were carried through with Vick. But why is it presumably okay for us as a society to  judge whether this man is forgiven? That seems highly hypocritical given the grace and mercy bestowed upon us by God. Right?

I’m not saying you have to personally like Michael Vick. I’m not asking you to condone or approve of his past transgressions. I’m not asking you to watch his games, buy his jersey or actively seek his autograph. But I think instead of focusing on whether we’ve been able to extract a pound of flesh from his body, we should focus on the redemptive story God is telling here. And I’m not just saying this because Michael Vick is my fantasy quarterback and helped me win a game this week with his six-touchdown performance.

I have no way of knowing Michael Vick’s heart. That’s for him and God to work out. But seeing what God has provided for him over the last two years is powerful. From a prison cell and public villany to running the offense for a playoff-bound professional football team, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Like him or leave him, that’s up to you. But I personally take this as a reminder of two very important truths: 1. I serve a mighty God and 2.  judgment is not in my job description.