“Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NIV)
True story: Several years ago now, I made a trip from my home in Washington down to Santa Rosa, California to visit some friends. I was able to talk my buddy into going to the final round of a Champions Tour event. This was not easy, because the weather was downright nasty. Washingtonians are used to this sort of thing, but for my California friend the inclemency was a major hurdle.
When we arrived for the tournament—the Siebel Classic at Coyote Creek Golf Club in San Jose—the wind was blowing and about the only thing not falling from the sky was snow. I had come prepared with a rainsuit and umbrella, but my friend was not so ready. He was sure they were going to call the tournament (maybe for his poor sake alone!), but luckily Sunday’s play went on.
As we left our vehicle and proceeded to one of the entrances, another fan offered me a free ticket. I took it and offered to split my friend’s entry. He would have none of it. This day was getting better!
We had an exhilarating day in the stormy weather, and the tournament ended in fine fashion too, with Links Player Dana Quigley hanging on to win.
Normally, the trophy presentation is made outside in front of the fans, but because of the weather the organizers and TV people moved it inside, behind the doors of the clubhouse. Only those with special passes were permitted to attend.
Of course I wanted to go in, but we learned from the doorkeeper that we did not possess the proper passes. At that moment, I felt an arm around my shoulder and a lady’s voice say, “He’s with me.” With that, my friend and I were ushered into the presentation, only a few feet from the televised event! I later learned that the woman responsible for this extra blessing was the tournament host’s wife.
I was quickly reminded of a greater benefactor, Jesus Christ, who makes it possible for us to have an audience with the Father himself, in the throne room of God. What an honor! What a blessing! Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). How glad I am to have learned that truth in such a vivid way!
—
Larry Dublanko
July 20, 2012
Copyright 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.