As you come to him [Jesus], a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2: 5-9, ESV)
The late Pete Dye (12/29/25-1/09/20) is known worldwide for his golf course designs. He, along with his wife, Alice, collaborated to build some of the most extraordinary golf courses in the world.
After seeing Alister MacKenzie’s golf course designs, he went to Scotland and made “a study of its classic courses.” Dye would incorporate some of these Scottish features into his golf course architecture. None of the many influences that left a lasting impression on him are as well-known as his use of bulkheads constructed from railroad ties.
One author wrote that Pete Dye is known for designing the “world’s most terrifying tee shot, the par-3 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.” Whatever one might say about his courses, there is no doubt they are among the most creative designs the world of golf has ever known.
Some argue that Dye’s courses are either “loved or hated.” That is, his courses leave little to no room for ambivalence. In today’s text, Peter argues similarly regarding Jesus Christ. Accordingly, Jesus is either a “rock of offense,” or he is the “cornerstone” upon which we build our lives. One cannot remain neutral about the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection place weighty demands on all of us. As C.S. Lewis argued, Jesus is either “a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.” Most people know C. S. Lewis as the writer of children’s fiction (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia). Perhaps, many are unaware that Lewis, a former atheist, was also a no-nonsense logician. The logic of his trilemma (i.e., “liar, lunatic, or Lord”) is both valid and sound.
As Lewis would argue, either Jesus knew his claims were bogus and thus he was a “liar.” Or he was self-deceived in believing himself to be God and thus was a “lunatic.” Or he was, in fact, “Lord.” The counter-argument that Jesus was a “legend” later concocted by his followers was refuted by Lewis elsewhere in his prolific writings.
Even if Lewis’s argument doesn’t compel you, we are still faced with the compelling testimony of all the first-century eyewitnesses. These men and women died martyrs’ deaths because they confessed to seeing Jesus after he was physically resurrected on the third day. The proverbial “fork-in-the-road” confronts us all—we either believe Jesus is who he said he was, or we deny it.
According to the Apostle Peter, we who come to him [Jesus] in faith are “living stones” (not railroad ties) being built into a spiritual house to “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We are also called to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Pete and Alice Dye built some of the most spectacular courses in the world. Golfers will enjoy them for generations to come. Jesus Christ’s building project will extend throughout eternity. Between now and his arrival, we are those called out of darkness into his marvelous light, offering him heart-adoring worship and compelling verbal witness to others that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Links Fellowships exist as “Outposts” of Christ’s kingdom at golf courses throughout America, offering adoring worship to the resurrected King and viable witness that Christ Jesus died and rose again for our sins according to the Scriptures.
Prayer – Jesus, grant us winsome boldness in telling others about who you are!