By Staff Writer, Matt Osborne
The 2023 PGA Championship kicked off on Thursday at Oak Hill Country Club, with Bryson DeChambeau jumping out to a one-stroke lead after 18 holes of play. Surprisingly, the highlight of the first round of action wasn't DeChambeau's masterful play, but instead, 20-year-old, Tom Kim's errant tee shot on the sixth hole, landing in high weeds near a creek. Not wanting to take a penalty stroke, due to losing his ball, Kim set out on a quest to see if he could find it among the mud and weeds. He took off his shoes and socks and rolled up his pants in anticipation of getting a little dirty along the way. What he didn't anticipate, however, was that he would end up sinking much further into the mud than he originally planned. After unsuccessfully searching for his ball, television cameras caught Kim emerging from the weeded area completely covered in mud. Nearly the entire bottom half of his body and a portion of his top half were covered in mud, giving the commentators a hearty laugh at his expense. The video of Kim covered in mud quickly went viral, but the South Korean professional gracefully handled people laughing at his publicized debacle, and gave this matter-of-fact explanation: “As soon as I went in, it was kind of sketch. But I mean it's a major championship. I'm fighting for every single stroke I have.” Kim further commented, “I hope everyone at home understands it's a major championship, and I'm trying to play the best that I can and every shot matters.” Kim may have looked funny walking around the course with dirty clothes, but it's admirable that he willingly subjected himself to mockery and difficulty because of how much he valued the opportunity to win a PGA Championship. When I think about Kim's high regard for the golf tournament, I'm reminded of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 13:44: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” The man in this parable would have most likely been mocked by his family and friends for giving up all of his possessions to purchase one seemingly unassuming field. But, this man knew the immense value of what was hidden in that field, which allowed him joy as he gave up everything he owned. As followers of Jesus, the value we attribute to Him as Lord is of utmost importance. After all, why would anyone “deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus” (Luke 9:23 paraphrase) if they weren’t convinced He is worth that sort of commitment and sacrifice? The world will undoubtedly mock those who desire to live a life with Jesus at the center. So, to continue moving forward in joyful obedience and surrender during difficulties and persecutions, we're going to have to ascribe a high value to Jesus. This will only come as we intentionally meditate on the attributes of God, what He has accomplished for His people in salvation, and what awaits His people in eternity. Here are some great verses to help us better appreciate our loving and merciful God:
“Who is like You among the gods, O LORD— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?” (Exodus 15:11; NLT).
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11; NASB).
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17; ESV). Today, let's resolve to take time to think about the value and worth of our Savior and the gravity of what He's accomplished on our behalf. It's only then that we'll be able to properly follow the instructions given in Psalm 29:2 (NIV): “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” I’m Matt Osborne and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I don't value You as I should. Please help me to have a higher view of You that is always increasing. Thank you that there is no one like You and that You are worthy of everything that I could ever give. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What are some verses from God's Word that help you have a high view of Him? Why do those verses stand out to you?
2. In what ways have you "gone into the mud" or revealed how much you value Jesus?
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