Fall Reflections

Fall is certainly one of my favorite times of the year. I just love the cool brisk air and the smell of fresh fallen leaves. It’s also a season when I get to spend more time in the woods. After a very long absence, I’ve gotten back into hunting again and with the  help of some great guys I’ve  been reminded of the fun and fellowship I once enjoyed with my father as a young boy and my brothers-in-law as a young man.

I  know  that  not everyone hunts and that for some, hunting is
offensive.  It  can  even lead to some interesting conversation as to faith and the question of whether the Bible  has anything  to  say about hunting.  We certainly all know the commandment that “Thou shalt not kill,” but does that pertain  to hunting? It’s a good question.

The Book of Genesis is filled with words of hunting. For example, Genesis 27:3 says, “Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.” Genesis 9:3 declares, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.”  And Genesis 21:20 says,”And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow.”

Even the book of Proverbs with its many practical topics, as well as the spiritual ones, gives advice on hunting. Proverbs 12:27 says a man who hunts for game and just kills it, and does not take possession of it for eating is a slothful man.  I would agree with that statement, and believe that there are moral ways to proceed with hunting.

God looks on the heart and motives of a person when it comes to how we treat His creatures and creation. Maybe that’s why I love being in the woods so much; it’s a matter of the heart. When I
get away by myself, away from the noise and pressures of everyday life, I do feel that I gain some perspective and become closer to the Creator.

Some people  enjoy hunting and others don’t feel any interest or desire to pursue the activity. Some people enjoy eating meat and others prefer  to  eat  only vegetables. And that’s okay.  What’s important is  to  glorify  God  with whatever you do.

Jesus disciples  were fishermen  and Jesus used their life experiences as fishermen to teach them to become fishers of men. Shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection, for a brief time, the disciples returned to their boats and nets; to the life they were brought up with. But now they had the privilege and responsibility to share the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. Jesus used who they were to share his message with the world.

So, no matter where you are in your life—whether it’s at work, play, or even in the woods—allow God to teach and guide you by his Holy Spirit to spread the Good News of His love and mercy for all people.

In Jesus Name,
Pastor Scott