"God and Golf" (Part 5)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV).

Today we are continuing to use the analogy of playing the game of golf and living the Christian life. The fourth thing we must master is the right follow-through. One of the biggest problems most golfers face is keeping their eyes on the ball. That’s a rule in almost every sport. It’s a vital part of the right follow-through. It is also very true in our Christian lives. The writer of Hebrews said: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. The word “fix” is also translated “looking” in other translations. It is a present active indicative participle, which means that we are to have a constant, ongoing attitude of watching Jesus. Now, that’s the right follow-through!

Have you noticed how many current writers and philosophers are so pessimistic about the future? One author I read recently predicted that we only have five years left to exist as the human race! He may be partially correct; though I’m quite sure he does not see the future as I do. He is only partially correct in that it may be anytime that Jesus comes again and sets all things right. The Scripture clearly describes the future of the human race and tells us exactly where we are headed, but it is far from annihilation.

Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, came the first time for the express purpose of making the atonement for our sins and freeing us from the clutches of death. It is through Him that we may find complete and total forgiveness and restoration. It is such a miraculous thing to be able to go to sleep at night and know that everything wrong we have ever done is forgiven and that God will never hold us to account. Because Jesus has taken all of that on Himself we are released from it.

That’s only half of the story though. Not only did Jesus die on the cross, He was raised from the dead and is alive today! He is coming back to rule forever a redeemed world! Disease will be erased. Death will be abolished. War will be non-existent. Nature will be transformed. Life will be perfect in every way! The kingdom IS coming; the Scripture is replete with that truth. That why we must keep our eyes on Jesus! That’s what allows us to know where we’re going; to see what’s happening in light of the truth; and to possess this great hope. Can you join me in keeping your eyes “on the ball”? The right follow-through is essential!