Although golfers are often teased by other professional athletes, this PGA event features stadium golf and the infamous 16th hole, a short par 3 surrounded by 177 sky boxes and 15,000 seats. This arena creates a non-typical golf setting. Instead of being told by marshals to sit down and shut up, spectators are encouraged to get up and let golfers know how you really feel. Between the cheers and boos for shots either making or missing the green, caddies race to the green with 75 pound golf bags over their shoulders, winning by being the first to step foot on the green. For one week each year, a circus like atmosphere comes to Scottsdale, hosted by the Thunderbirds, a local group of volunteers which is responsible for growing this tournament into what it has become, a 4 day pre-Superbowl party.
Though the world of golf is changing for the better, the arena of ideas has been muffled for Christians, stifled by political correctness. When it comes to the Bible, Christian symbols, prayer and religious freedoms, the government is regularly telling Christians to sit down and shut up with your Jesus talk. Facing a similar threat in Acts 5:12-42, the apostles took a different route. Risking jail, flogging to a point near death and hatred from religious leaders, led my Peter, these 12 men, got up, went to the temple and meeting places to boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite daily persecution, God blessed the faithfulness of these leaders. When you get your opportunity, my only question is, will you sit down and shut up or get up and speak out for Jesus?
by Jay Mankus
For a better understanding of the 16th hole, check out Peter Jacobson’s new song on itunes. Jake & the Ball Washers song debuted Saturday, February 2nd on NBC during the live PGA telecast. NBC Sports also owns the Golf Channel.
ExpressYourself4Him 