“Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.” (Isaiah 55:5, NIV)
When the PGA of America formed in 1916, there was a particular assumption in that word “America.” Whereas the progenitors of the game had their professional golf associations across the pond, this would be a group of Americans who chose to make their living teaching and playing the game.
Through the years, as the PGA Tour arose out of those professional ranks, and the Americans’ strength of play surged, men came from far afield to test their game on U.S. soil. Gary Player from South Africa, Bruce Devlin from Australia, Roberto De Vicenzo from Argentina—these were some of those who first heard the cry from America’s courses of top-end competition and enticing purses. Today, we also see regulars on the PGA Tour from Sweden, England, Ireland, South Korea, Fiji, Japan, Canada, Spain, Colombia, and Mexico.
The LPGA, too, is a reflection of the world, with winners already this season from Australia and Sweden, and top-five players from New Zealand and South Korea, as well as Americans in both lists.
But if America’s tours draw the world’s players, it is the God of Israel who has sent out the herald of salvation through his Son Jesus to the corners of the globe. And just as Isaiah prophesied, those nations have responded.
When God promised faithful love to King David, a witness was given not just to one people but to many peoples—indeed to all. And what a promise it was, declared in Isaiah 55.
It was a promise to deliver drink to the thirsty (verse 1)—and so Jesus is the living water (John 4:13-14).
It was a promise to deliver food to the hungry (v. 2)—and so Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35, 58).
It was a promise to be led (v. 3)—and so Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as our guide (John 14:26).
It was a promise of mercy and pardon (v. 4)—and so Jesus came to deliver that promise by his atoning death (Hebrews 9:26).
And what was the effect of all this promised to the Jewish people and delivered through a Jewish Savior? The whole world was invited in! “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people,’” Peter reminded the many listeners from the prophecies of Joel on that first day of Pentecost after Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 2:9). Many of us are those people, grafted in among the believing Jews, who trusted then and trust now in God for their salvation through Jesus. We come to him and we come through him to the eternal Father. We come to the splendor of the Holy One of Israel.
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Jeff Hopper
March 26, 2014
Copyright 2014 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.