…what cannot be shaken [will] remain… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 12:27, 13:8, NIV)
“Golf’s longest day.” That is the label given to the Monday just passed, the day when 10 locations around the country hosted the 36-hole sectional qualifiers for the U.S. Open, which begins a week from tomorrow at Chambers Bay, south of Seattle.
Here are some highlights:
– In Purchase, New York, two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen led the qualifiers. No surprise there. Except that Janzen is now 50 years old. Except that Janzen hasn’t played the Open since 2008.
– In Columbus, Ohio, newly minted NCAA champion Bryson Dechambeau led most of the day and easily coasted to third among 15 qualifiers. No surprise there. Except that this was the sectional loaded with PGA Tour players. Except that Nick Watney and Ricky Barnes and Kevin Streelman and Ken Duke and Memorial winner David Lingmerth and several other guys whose names you’d easily recognize did not get through.
– In Newport Beach, California, half of the six qualifiers were amateurs. Among them was Beau Hossler, who at 20 years old will be playing in his third Open. You may recall that he led outright well into the second round at the Olympic Club in 2012, when he was all of 17. Hossler is an old man, though, compared to 15-year-old Cole Hammer, who finished second in the Dallas sectional. That’s right, Hammer will play in a U.S. Open just days after completing his freshman year of high school.
There’s a theme in these notes, and it is advanced as well by the qualification two weeks ago of Jason Palmer in the sectional held in Surrey, England. Palmer, you see, hits his pitch shots one-handed. It’s his only defense against the chipping yips.
So what is that theme? Well, you’ve already read it in today’s title: “You never know.”
When it comes to the workings of the world—and certainly in golf—you can count on virtually nothing. “Sure bets” often aren’t. Those “dead in the water” float upon the waves to a safe landing. Rags turn to riches and champions choke. A manufacturer can guarantee their products, but they cannot guarantee they will still be around when your gadget goes kaput.
And then there is Jesus. If ever you need to see your Savior for who he is, just compare him to the way of the world.
Jesus’ love is certain. His promise of salvation is ever-fixed. His reign is eternal.
We do not know who will win the U.S. Open next week. We do not even know if we will be alive to watch it. But we do know that Christ is here and he is in control. You can bet this life and the one to come on it!
—
Jeff Hopper
June 10, 2015
Copyright 2015 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.