Speaking of Master...
This is a week in which thousands of people have traveled many miles in April to a city called Augusta in my home State of Georgia. They are a part of an annual ritual that began in 1934. 365 acres of rolling hills, manicured green grass, pine trees whose grandeur is their height as testimony to centuries of age, bright pink and white azaleas that accent the landscape and beautiful bodies of water, along with streams, is the setting of Augusta National Golf Club. It hosts the massive visitation of people for an event known as The Masters. What a title. What an ambiance. The four day tournament begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday. The annual festivities for fans, former champions, players and their families take place in the beginning of the week. The winner of this famous tournament is awarded the most recognizable garment in golf known as the green jacket and the notoriety of the most prestigious title in the sport – a master, if you will.
When fans think of The Masters tournament, some names immediately come to mind; Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Fuzzy Zoeller, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, and of course, Tiger Woods. Is it only coincidence that Tiger would return to the game of golf after his long break due to much needed personal reconciliation? I'll let you have fun imitating the news media with that question. To have his name on the Masters champions wall yet again would be an astounding accomplishment, second only to Jack Nicklaus with the most wins at this tournament. Oh yes, the jacket is cool but it goes in a closet or glass case to be displayed for what few people are invited into the home. The sterling silver trophy and gold medalion are beautiful, but they are put on a shelf with others. The money is always nice, but to a multi-millionaire its certainly not a necessity. The title - now that's everything.
Approximately this same week in April around 30 CE (Common Era), thousands of people traveled many miles to celebrate an annual ritual in the city of Jerusalem called Passover. But this year would be different from any before or any to come. Our Savior, Jesus, was there. This normal eight-day celebration would be most remembered for the span of days beginning with Thursday and ending with Sunday. Jesus would meet with his team for an unforgettable meal on Thursday evening and commence his suffering later that night. The next day, the city would host the most important event in the history of mankind. The people would witness the struggles and defeat of one who was declared victor when He first arrived in Jerusalem. Their initial cheering would change to whaling on Friday. He was taken from the leader board and pitied by most. But, it wasn’t over!
Sunday morning arrived. News spread of a familiar name. From the bottom (the grave) Jesus emerged. His name was being spread throughout the crowd. He’s back! He won! Jesus defeated all! He was awarded THE King’s robe and the highest honor of any before or any to come. He is Master! This title will never be relinquished to another.
Thousands will spend the final day of the tournament, Sunday, at Augusta National along with millions in front of a television anxiously waiting for a master to be named. How many of those need to know The Master? We have the news and the responsibility to make sure that people who don’t know have the opportunity to hear of the true triumphant victor. Celebrate His legacy this week! Proclaim His name every day! He is the only one worthy of the banner, Master.
When fans think of The Masters tournament, some names immediately come to mind; Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Fuzzy Zoeller, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, and of course, Tiger Woods. Is it only coincidence that Tiger would return to the game of golf after his long break due to much needed personal reconciliation? I'll let you have fun imitating the news media with that question. To have his name on the Masters champions wall yet again would be an astounding accomplishment, second only to Jack Nicklaus with the most wins at this tournament. Oh yes, the jacket is cool but it goes in a closet or glass case to be displayed for what few people are invited into the home. The sterling silver trophy and gold medalion are beautiful, but they are put on a shelf with others. The money is always nice, but to a multi-millionaire its certainly not a necessity. The title - now that's everything.
Approximately this same week in April around 30 CE (Common Era), thousands of people traveled many miles to celebrate an annual ritual in the city of Jerusalem called Passover. But this year would be different from any before or any to come. Our Savior, Jesus, was there. This normal eight-day celebration would be most remembered for the span of days beginning with Thursday and ending with Sunday. Jesus would meet with his team for an unforgettable meal on Thursday evening and commence his suffering later that night. The next day, the city would host the most important event in the history of mankind. The people would witness the struggles and defeat of one who was declared victor when He first arrived in Jerusalem. Their initial cheering would change to whaling on Friday. He was taken from the leader board and pitied by most. But, it wasn’t over!
Sunday morning arrived. News spread of a familiar name. From the bottom (the grave) Jesus emerged. His name was being spread throughout the crowd. He’s back! He won! Jesus defeated all! He was awarded THE King’s robe and the highest honor of any before or any to come. He is Master! This title will never be relinquished to another.
Thousands will spend the final day of the tournament, Sunday, at Augusta National along with millions in front of a television anxiously waiting for a master to be named. How many of those need to know The Master? We have the news and the responsibility to make sure that people who don’t know have the opportunity to hear of the true triumphant victor. Celebrate His legacy this week! Proclaim His name every day! He is the only one worthy of the banner, Master.
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