As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV)
Can I get a show of hands from those who have been subjected to the guy or gal who wants to tell you about every shot from their round?
You know the drill. They ask, “How’d it go out there?” and feign interest in your response while anticipating your reciprocity. As soon as one conversation ends, they roam the room in search of the next inquirer.
I wish I was more like “that guy” with God’s Word, but I’ll come back to that.
One of the themes I’ve picked up in Scripture is how important God’s Word is to Him. In today’s verse, God made it clear to the prophet Isaiah that there is purpose behind what He says.
Examples abound throughout the Bible.
When rebuking the devil in the wilderness, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
Jesus told his disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31).
Paul informed Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
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I’m trying to become like the previously mentioned over-sharer. But rather than focusing on my round, I’m hoping to help the lost become found.
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Part of our mission at Links Players is to share Christ through the great game of golf (Share is the “S” in LINKS). I’ve taken that last verse to heart and continue to memorize Scripture, so that I’m properly prepared when those opportunities arise. Many times, these opportunities are right in the clubhouse following a round of golf.
I’m trying to become like the previously mentioned over-sharer. But rather than focusing on my round, I’m hoping to help the lost become found.
For example, what if you posed this thought-provoker in the 19th: “Do you realize there are many ways to get the ball in the hole, but there is only one way to the Father” (John 14:6)?
Granted, it could be a conversation crusher, but what if it led to a discussion you never imagined having with that member of your club?
I won’t lie; I’m not terribly interested in what you shot today (sorry!). But I would be attentive to how you shared Jesus on the course. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus calls us to make disciples, so I’m all ears when it comes to effective methods. In fact, feel free to email me detailing your experiences.)
I’m pretty sure I’ve never impacted someone’s life with an energy-draining play-by-play, but I’d love to see eternal destinations changed by the life-giving words of our Creator. It’s the purpose for which He sent them.
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Drew Hamilton
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at linksplayers.com.