After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9, ESV)
Has there ever been a moment in your life when you realized you were standing in the presence of greatness? Someone famous, legendary, or maybe just a pop culture icon?
I experienced one of those moments while playing in The Pro — the new golf tour featuring former athletes from the MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL. The event was held at PGA National, a course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself.
The night before the first round, we attended a VIP dinner for sponsors and players. As I stood in the buffet line, I looked up and standing directly across from me were Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.
The Golden Bear. Eighteen major championships. A man whose name is woven into the very fabric of golf history.
I couldn’t help but feel humbled. I said, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Nicklaus, thank you for coming tonight.” As we walked down the line, I told him my youngest son had once caddied for him at Augusta during the Members Jamboree.
He immediately asked, “What’s his name?”
I shared the story of how, on the first hole, Jack called Austin over while reading a putt and asked, “Austin, is this a right-edge putt?”
After studying it, Austin replied, “Mr. Nicklaus, I know there’s no one in the world who knows these greens better than you, but this is one cup out on the left.” Jack looked him in the eye and said, “I know… I was just checking you out!”
Adding to the experience, I was paired with his grandson, Nick O’Leary — former Florida State football standout, NFL tight end, good golfer, and a fine young man. I also had the privilege of meeting Nick’s mother, Nan, the only daughter of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.
It was a day surrounded by excellence, legacy, and accomplishment. Yet as memorable as those moments were, they reminded me of a far greater reality awaiting every believer in Christ.
One day, those who have trusted in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of sins will stand in the very presence of Almighty God.
Not a golf legend.
Not an athlete.
Not a president.
But the King of Kings. The Creator of everything.
Scripture gives us a glimpse of that future moment:
Imagine standing before Jesus Himself — the One who carried our sins to the cross, conquered death, and offered us eternal life through grace. The awe of that moment will surpass anything we have ever experienced on earth.
The amazing truth is that we do not earn our way into His presence through achievements, trophies, or success. We enter only because of what Christ has already accomplished for us.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
Because of Jesus, we don’t have to fear that day — we can look forward to it with confidence and joy.
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people.”
— Revelation 21:3 (ESV)
Standing across from Jack Nicklaus was unforgettable. But one day, every person will stand before a greatness infinitely beyond human comparison — before Jesus Christ Himself.
Will you stand before Him as Judge or Savior? That decision is yours today.
Prayer: Jesus, may that future reality shape the way we live now — with humility, gratitude, worship, and a deeper desire to know You more deeply and to share Your love for others.