Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe… (Hebrews 12:28, NIV)
In the accompanying video for today’s devotion, I asked Jeffrey Cranford, who is a PGA professional, whether he has ever seen a foundational shakeup in the game. He named it: TrackMan, the radar device that gives golfers buckets of feedback about their swing path and ball flight. The overall patterns uncovered by TrackMan have revolutionized swing evaluation and instruction, even when the pricey device isn’t available.
On the viewing side, TrackMan’s camera-based counterpart, Toptracer, has allowed us to watch televised golf in a vastly improved way. We can see the flight of the ball! It’s even more fun to follow your own shots with Toptracer, which you can do at Topgolf’s popular driving ranges. Toptracer’s president says of the device’s inventor, Daniel Forsgren, “He’s invented something that has changed the industry.” A true shakeup.
Shakeups of this kind don’t come along very often. Technologies are always adding to our experiences in life, but many are just adornments, like going from a rotary to a push button phone. The true revolution came when we all started carrying our phones wherever we went.
He alone cannot be shaken; his kingdom is sure.
The real shakeups in life are far greater than any of these examples, though. They are events that strike us personally and force us to respond. The spread of the coronavirus and the public restrictions that followed initiated changes for many of us, particularly in our routines and relationships. Some suffered greatly in emotional and psychological ways due to the lack of human connection. This was especially true for older people and those with compromised health; suddenly their infrequent contact with others was reduced to almost nothing.
Alongside the shaking of emotional frameworks, people found their faith put to the test. Should I trust the doctors or God, or both? The time I spend with others in prayer and fellowship is being robbed—what can I do to keep growing when I can’t grow with others? Big questions, and rightly asked, because rather than giving up on God when trouble comes, such questions keep us looking for him in the midst of it. Where else can we turn? He alone cannot be shaken; his kingdom is sure. And nothing that happens on earth should turn us from worshiping him.
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Jeff Hopper
September 10, 2021
Copyright 2021 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.