Follow me and I will make you to become

There is a story making the rounds concerning Robert Hightower of Queens, New York who realized a lifelong dream in April, 1953. He went to the Masters Tournament in Augusta. His hero, Ben Hogan, played for the championship and won with a 14 under par, 274 score.

At the Masters, Robert Hightower chanced to meet King Saud of Saudi Arabia. Over the few days of the tournament they became close friends. Toward the end of the week the king said to him, “You will have to come to my country and play a round or two with me.” At the time, Robert felt it was a kind gesture but thought no more about it.

A month later, af ter returning home, Robert received a long distance call inviting him to be the weekend guest of the king. The caller said, “The king’s private jet will pick you and your family up at La Guardia Friday at noon.”

It was a never to be forgotten experience. The golf was great and there were brunches and dinners and all kinds of lavish entertainment. As the visit came to a close the king said, “I would like to give you something to remember your visit. Tell me what I can give you.”

Robert protested that it had been a wonderful weekend they would never forget and that a gift was not necessary. But the king insisted, “I want to give you something. What would you like to have?” Finally, Robert said, “Okay, what about a golf club? I would really like that.” The king was delighted, “Fine, a golf club it will be!”

Aboard the king’s private jet on the way back to America and for weeks to follow Robert dreamed about the gift he was going to receive. What would it be like? His imagination took wings as he tried to picture what a golf club from the oil-rich king would be like. Of course, it would be made of the finest materials, perhaps inlaid with gold, and it just might bear the king’s signature.

Then on a long awaited day it arrived—not a package as expected but a certified letter from Saudi Arabia. Inside, along with a hand written note from the king was a deed to the Pine Hills Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Kings think in terms far different from yours and mine, and God is the King of Kings. Listen to the words of Jesus: “If you, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

God responds to imperfect love, the sincere if inadequate response of mortals, with undeserved blessings. God asks Solomon: “Tell me what you want me to give you.” Solomon responds, “Give me wisdom to lead your people.” And since God was pleased with what Solomon asked, he also granted to Solomon riches and honor beyond measure.

Jesus asked a woman of Samaria to give him a drink of water. She was indignant, racist, discriminatory. Jesus said, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

When Peter said to Jesus: “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?” Jesus promised, “Follow me and I will make you to become…!

God loves all of his children. Coming to God, you will always get more than you asked for! It’s the word of the King.