PPic: Oberon Golf Course - Links Pro Am 2006

PGA Chaplain Bible Studies

Study 27 July 21st to July 27th 2008.
Reading – John Chapter Ch18: verses 28 to Chapter 19:16.

Playing By The Rules!

“Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”When Jesus came out (after being beaten) wearing a crown of thorns and a purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is your man!”As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.’’
 John Chapter 19: verses 4 to 6. (New InternationalVersion).

The rules of golf are organized by the Royal and Ancient of St Andrews in Scotland. They are the ones with the power to change rules when considered appropriate and to protect the rules of the game we love. While the book on rules is quite small, there is another large volume on how to apply the rules in different circumstances. I am a person who likes to know the rules and apply them, but there are times when I get the rules wrong or am ignorant of what to do.  There have been times to my shame when I have not applied the rules as I should. We also need to be helpful to new players in learning the rules and insuring everyone has an equal chance. It is amazing how little the rules of golf are known among seasoned players.
On one occasion last year I played with 2 professionals who would not let me drop from a hazard with a red stake in a way that I knew was correct. I will never forget getting my first eagle on a par 5 and looking forward to my prize that the golf club gave only to be told I was disqualified for not signing my card.
I played with a new member at Oatlands last Sunday who kept placing his tee in front of the markers, unaware he is not permitted to do this according to the rules.

You cannot go anywhere in golf unless you are prepared to abide by the rules. On occasions players have ruined their reputation because they break the rules of golf and have been caught. Both competitive and social players are tempted to ignore the rules for different reasons.
Our study over the next weeks will involve the trial of Jesus before the Jewish authorities and Pilate the Roman Governor. Last week we looked at Peter and how under pressure he denied knowing Jesus. This week we look at Pilate. As the |Roman Governor Pilate had all the power in the trial of Jesus and was responsible for applying the rules and laws of justice to Jesus. The Jews who had brought Jesus to trial were unable to execute Jesus due to Roman control, so they brought Jesus to Pilate for trial.
In the dialogue and questioning of Pilate to Jesus it becomes clear to Pilate that Jesus was innocent of any charge deserving death. On a couple of occasions Pilate says this as our reading above indicates.
Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but under constant pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd, gives in and hands Jesus over to be crucified. As a leader responsible for justice, Pilate fails miserably. That’s what happens when we want approval from others and give in their demands, even though we know it is wrong. Pilate played by his own rules rather than the rules of justice. It’s the same reason we break the rules of golf and life, wanting to be seen and wanting to win so much that we give in.

Prayer
Righteous God, help us to have the moral resolve neither to cheat in golf or life; nor to give in to the peer pressure, but to live a just life. Amen.

Upcoming Events

Click event for more details.

Wyong Trainee Pro-Am.

Venue: Wyong Golf Cub
Date: Monday 17th November.
Cost: $50
Tee Time: 7:30am and
12 noon shotgun start.
Contact: Graham on 02 9740 9069
or email.

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