PPic: Oberon Golf Course - Links Pro Am 2006

PGA Chaplain Bible Studies

Study 1 –January 14th - 20th 2008.
Reading – John Chapter Ch12: verses 27 to 33.

Sharing the greatest prize!

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father glorify your name! Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” John Chapter 12: verses 27 to 28. (New International Version)

In professional sport we so used to seeing our elite athletes being spoilt with equipment, appearance fees, accommodation and cars. They are the ones the crowds want to see and we love to cheer and clap and lift them on a pedestal. They are well looked after by the sporting organizations. They have earned this by hard work and being a winner on the golf course. The better you are, the easier life becomes as a golfer in terms of material possessions and wealth. It is easier for your partner or family to travel with you and you can select the Tournaments you want to play.

There is of course the loss of privacy with being famous in sport. Everywhere you go you will be recognised. Everyone wants to shake your hand or take a picture or stir you up. This is a sacrifice and a high cost to pay for stardom for many.

When it comes to Jesus it is the opposite that applies when considering his greatness. Considering that we believe Jesus is God, his life is unusual.  His birthplace among shepherds and wise men in an animal shelter startles us. There could be no humbler place. Jesus grew up in obscurity in a small village town called Nazareth. He began a public ministry among people with no place to call home.

He attracted the sick and poor, the diseased, the deformed and he healed them all. He held no public office and only had a small group of close followers. He welcomed all to listen to his words that he claimed were the words of eternal life. The closest time he came to being recognized was when he entered Jerusalem and the crowds shouted out and praised him.

The biggest surprise though came when he began talking about going to Jerusalem to die. Others were planning his death because of jealousy and opposition to his teaching. The point is that Jesus explained the purpose of his coming into the world was to die. God planned this. This death according to our reading was to defeat the evil in the world, to exercise judgment and enable all people to come to God.

The thought of dying is not a pleasant one, but many have given their life for a worthy cause.
For many today, evil is just a myth and not taken seriously, but God is not like that. For Jesus his death has a purpose in this life and beyond it. Jesus through his death will conquer the forces of evil in this world that we are a part of. As sinners we contribute to the evil and the just displeasure of God. By dying for us Jesus will defeat the forces of evil and re-establish God’s rule. Jesus makes it possible for us return to God, forgiven and loved.

For Jesus privacy is not a problem because his life is for others. All are welcome and none who come in a genuine change of heart will be refused.
A professional golfer is looking for a prize that comes from being the best and from this will set them up for a very comfortable life. The victory of Jesus through his death over evil and in rising again to give new life is his greatest work. Jesus looks to share this prize with you.

Prayer. 
Thank you Lord Jesus for your generosity in overcoming evil for us and making it possible for us to come back to you. Amen.

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Wyong Trainee Pro-Am.

Venue: Wyong Golf Cub
Date: Monday 17th November.
Cost: $50
Tee Time: 7:30am and
12 noon shotgun start.
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