For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, NASB)
What is the most astonishing golf feat you have ever heard of? ChatGPT tells us about three holes-in-one in one round. The odds of making one hole-in-one on a par 3 are 12,500 to 1.
An ace was once made on a par 5. I don’t know what you call that! And Calvin Peete led the Tour in driving accuracy for 10 straight years, with only one shot out of bounds during that period.
But it’s just a game. What about the reality of God’s astonishing miracles?
How about creation itself—the sun, moon, and stars? Consider the forming of a life out of the dust as God breathed life into Adam; the flood and the ark filled with animals; the parting of the Red Sea and the Jordan River; and the walls of Jericho tumbling down.
Consider the virgin birth and the perfect life that followed. Thirty gallons of water were turned into wine. Five thousand people were fed with five loaves and two fish, with 12 basketfuls left over. And how about the resurrection? I must stop, although I have left out hundreds of astounding events.
Romans 1 tells us that God’s eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen through what has been made, so we have no excuse for not believing.
In the New Testament, we read about the astounding reactions of the ordinary people who were privileged to be part of God’s story. In the fifth chapter of Luke, some friends carry a paralyzed man on a stretcher to Jesus. When they cannot get near Him, they cut a hole in the roof and lower the man through the tiles. Jesus says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
The Pharisees complain that only God can forgive sins. So, Jesus continues, speaking to the paralyzed man: “Get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
Immediately, the man gets up and goes home, glorifying God. Verse 26 then says, “They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’”
There is an exclusive golf club in California, where, years ago, we wanted to start a Links Fellowship. The board and some of the members said, “Nice idea, but not at our club. We cannot allow a Bible study here. What about all those who have a different faith or oppose what you are doing? We can’t open the club to every faith. Thanks for asking.”
Well, something happened, and we received approval to meet and enjoy a nice breakfast. The fellowship grew and grew. Today, the Bible study is still thriving, and its influence has swept through the entire club.
One day, a member who had been drinking on the patio with his friends—and who had never attended the fellowship—saw us as we were leaving. He knew we were involved in this golf ministry.
He cornered us in the parking lot. He was desperate. “Would you pray for my friend who has cancer? The prognosis is not good.”
The Links Players staff member said, “Yes, we will pray—right now.”
We bowed our heads in the parking lot and prayed for his friend. With tears in his eyes, the man said, “You guys are changing the conversation at this club!”
“Changing the conversation.” Astonishing!
Look around. Angels and miracles are still at work. God has not stopped working, and He never will. He is giving us glimpses to strengthen our hope as we await the greatest miracle of all.
He is preparing a place for us right now. In the meantime, God loves to astonish us with glimpses of His miraculous work, so we truly have no excuse.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus.