A Rabbit And A Fox
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
On Fridays this summer, I woke up early to get hill training by running a section of power lines cut out in north San Antonio. Mornings out on the trails are unique as you watch the sun rise and shine, waking the city around you. Last Friday, I found myself running with a group of four other guys, the five of us pushing one another to keep pace and not back down while the vertical sections approached. Then ahead of us, we saw something sitting on the trail staring at us. A rabbit!
We were all astonished; this little guy wasn't budging. Not sure what to do, we moved forward, and in seconds the rabbit bolted off the trail and got lost in the high grass to our left. No one said a word. We all made eye contact, flabbergasted about what we had just encountered—a rabbit. It wasn't ten paces later a rustling noise came from the bushes to our right. We all quickly glanced and caught a glimpse of a fox! Now even more astonished, we all suspected this fox was jogging away sad as it had its breakfast scurry off in the opposite direction. A rabbit. A fox. A thankful rabbit. A sad fox. Maybe an angry fox. So we all agreed to run. Run faster!
This exciting encounter has been on my mind and heart for a week. I have been reflecting with you in mind too. I often question what role or mission The Whole Pastor (TWP) should have today. I never would have thought that a rabbit and a fox would spur the desire to continue to press on within me. I mean pastors, pastors’ families, church leaders, and church communities must know we all need each other. We need to know that we aren't alone. We need to be aware that when we find ourselves on the trail, there may be lurking in the brush one who wants to hinder our work by devouring all we have and all we do.
TWP's work (drive) is to run toward you and others to assist in thwarting drought, fear, anxiety, worry, and unhealthiness (spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, relational, and financial). TWP is about using the truths in God's Word to enhance, inspire, mend, and springboard leaders in continuing the work God has called us to accomplish. So have confidence. Acquire (receive) a sincere heart. Tightly grasp God's hope found in Jesus. Be spurred on toward love and good deeds. And don't give up! Let us run. Run faster.
It's Friday morning, TWP family. Time to get up and go. Time to push forward together. It’s an honor to be here with you.