Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. (Revelation 1:7, ESV)
I have had the good fortune to go to several of golf’s “clear your calendar places” in my life. “Clear your calendar places” are those invitations where, if you’re fortunate enough to receive one, you don’t say, “Let me check my calendar to see if I can go.”
You clear your calendar and simply ask, “What day and time should I show up?” Pine Valley is at the top of that list for me, but it also includes Oakmont, Merion, and Cypress Point. The history and mystique of these courses make them almost dreamlike to visit.
In the days leading up to being on those properties, I find it hard to sleep at night. And once the day arrives and you’re there, you hope the experience never ends. I’m sure all of you have those places in your mind that you are anxiously awaiting an invitation to.
I’ve also learned that the only thing better than getting an invitation to one of these “golf places” is getting a second invitation to go. When that happens, the anticipation of being there again is visceral.
You know what to expect and how wonderful it is, so you agonize over the preparation. You replay great memories from your first visit and think about what you want to do better on your next visit.
Scripture tells us about an invitation that God offers to all people, and that all who believe in his Son Jesus will have life everlasting.
In John 14:1–3, Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
This is the greatest invitation of all time, and anyone can extend this invitation to someone else. The invitation is for all who believe. So, let’s start inviting people.
It’s the greatest invitation anyone can receive, and Jesus offers it through us. LINKS Players, let’s start living our lives in the great anticipation that comes with this invitation.
Let’s start clearing our calendars to spend time in God’s Word, preparing our hearts to embrace this amazing invitation. Are you lying awake at night with the excitement of this invitation? I sure hope so.
Jesus is coming, and my prayer is that we will all live with great anticipation of that moment. Let’s make sure we invite as many people as we can to share it with us.
Prayer: Lord, empower us with wisdom and boldness to invite others!