Words on the Mound

Looking down at the infield, the coach strides toward his pitcher ejecting a few well soaked sunflower seed shells as he approaches the mound. What do you think they say out there?

“You do know this isn’t batting practice and we’re actually trying to win a game out here, right?”

“Dude, you are totally destroying the backstop. The league is totally going to make us pay for a new one.”

Or, “So, the pizza is here. It’s up to you as to whether we eat it warm or cold.”

Here are some common things a coach might really say:

“Take a deep breath, relax, and trust your stuff. You’ve got this.”

“Forget about the last pitch, focus on the next one. Just one pitch at a time.”

“You’re doing great. You’re our guy. We believe in you. Just execute.

The purpose of these mound visits is often to give the pitcher a moment to collect themselves, refocus, and approach the situation with a clear mind and a solid plan.

What do you think that Jesus would say to the Body of Christ today as He approaches us for a conference? I’m wondering if he might not look at the Church and say, “You’re getting a bit off track here. Let’s refocus on what truly matters. Think about why you are here. Zero in on your purpose.”

If we are going to be all that Christ desires us to be as the Church, what do we need to do? What adjustments do we need to make? What are the key things upon which we need to focus?

The first thing Jesus would say to his Church today is, Preach the Word. That is the message in 2 Timothy 4:2-3

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.”

Sadly, many are moving away from solid Biblical truth today. How do you “preach” the Word? We “preach the word” as we live it out in our daily lives.

But, if you’re going to live it, you need to know Him, the Living Word. And that means getting into His Word, reading and studying.

Pitchers have to study the mechanics before they can throw with accuracy in various situations. You have to read and study your text books if you are going to excel in your classes.

If you are going to “preach” the Word, you need to live in it before you live it.

Paul’s charge to Timothy to “preach the word” is a call not for all believers, to stand firm in the truth, especially in times when that truth is no longer popular or convenient.

How often do we shy away from sharing the gospel because we feel it is not the right time or place? Paul challenges us to be ever-ready, prepared to proclaim the good news at all times, because the need for the gospel is always present.

Prayer:

Father, we ask for opportunities to share your word with others. Your Word is life giving and life changing. Bring us to those who are starving in spirit that they might be touched by your Holy Spirit. Give us a hunger for your Word and a thirst for your presence. Amen