The Master of the Masters

The eyes of the world were on 31-year-old Zach Johnson after his win at the Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday afternoon. In an interview shortly after the win, the Iowa native talked about his wife and 14-week-old son, thanked his coaches and to the surprise of many, gave glory to God.

With all the attention on Tiger, most golf enthusiasts put Johnson way down the list as a possible contender. Though considered a master with his irons, he ranks 57 in driving distance among the 60 players who made the cut. As the tournament progressed, however, he continued to climb the leader list. He started the final round two shots behind third-round leader Stuart Appleby and one behind four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, the heavy favorite in Sunday's sunny, but cool final round.

Johnson took the lead with birdies on holes 13, 14 and 16 and never surrendered it despite a bogey on the 17th hole. Less than a half-hour later, he was wearing the Green Jacket awarded to each year's Masters champion and was handed the opportunity to share the secrets of his success to legions of golfers and the worldwide sports media. During his acceptance speech, Johnson said "Because it's Easter today, I want to say, 'Thank You, Jesus'."

In each of his national and regional TV interviews following the traditional champion's dinner late Sunday, Johnson continued to speak openly about his faith and what it meant for him to share such an experience on one of the most important days of the year for Christians. He also expressed humility. "I'm very normal. I'm as normal as they come," he said. "I love to play a game for a living. I love to play this game for just what it is, golf. I appreciate it and I feel honored to play golf for a living. Today was a day of perseverance and patience and redemption."

You and I will probably never have an audience of millions on television or in print, but still God gives us opportunities to point others to our faith in Christ. In both our successes and our failures, we can help others see how the power of Christ strengthens and sustains us. 1 Peter 3:15 commands us to “set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg