Climb the Tree (Friday Devotional)

 

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

- Romans 12:11

When Texas Rangers scout Joe Marchese picked up a hitchhiker by the side of the road, he didn’t expect much from the kid—after all, if he was anybody special, what was he doing hitchhiking? But as the two talked, Marchese’s passenger revealed that he was a pitcher with hopes of making the big leagues someday. Prove it, Marchese told him. The kid sheepishly replied that he didn’t have a ball or glove.

Whipping the vehicle off the highway, Marchese pulled into a nearby orange grove. He hopped out of the car and scaled a tree, tossing down 30 oranges to the hitchhiker. Sitting on a tree branch, he yelled down, “Throw those at the tree so I can see your arm. We’ll see if you’re a pitcher!”

The world doesn’t have a lot of characters like Joe Marchese, people so devoted to their work and so unwilling to miss an opportunity that they’ll scamper up a tree on a hope and a prayer. But if we’re faithful, the kingdom of God ought to have plenty.

Inspired by a gospel of hope and empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers in Jesus Christ are called to be zealous in our faith and excited to share it with others. Faith in the Lord isn’t merely a weekend hobby and church isn’t just a social obligation; rather, our relationship with the Lord is supposed to be something that transforms you from the inside out, overflowing into worship of God and love for others.

Like Zacchaeus scaling a sycamore—or Joe Marchese climbing an orange tree—you can show your determination for the Lord every day. Obstacles will be put in your way to try and prevent you from showing your faith. But when they come, look to the Lord for strength—if you’re willing to serve, he’ll give you the means!