New Zealand is in the South Pacific about 1500 miles from Australia and is without a doubt the most beautiful and friendly country I have ever experienced. On my second excursion to New Zealand, I had the opportunity to hunt three beautiful trophies including the famous Red Stag. During my hunt in a pristine wilderness area, I had the experience of stalking and evaluating several “world class” animals. Because the cost of a hunt is determined by the size of your trophy, I decided to limit my choice to an SCI Bronze level (approximately 225-250 scoring points).
After two days of viewing several possible prospects, I began to stalk a beautiful 15-point, 450-pound stag. It was my first time to take an animal of this size. As we approached this stately beast my heart began to beat like a drum. I could feel the beads of perspiration forming on my brow. Closer and closer we crept keeping tight to the brush until we were within 125 yards. The guide nodded, as if to say, “It’s all up to you!” After dispatching the animal, I felt an enormous sense of gratefulness that God would allow me the opportunity to harvest one of His majestic creatures. I was equally excited that the meat would be used to feed the needy. All this welled up within me so that I felt the overwhelming need to bow down and worship the Creator. I later learned through Dr. Tom Rakow’s writings on Old Testament hunting, that worship was part of the hunter’s tradition. Also, in Scotland they continue to honor God in a form of worship after each hunt.
Worship is an exercise that many of us engage in on a regular basis. Sometimes it is on a Sunday morning, evening, or on a Wednesday night. But it is also something each sportsman should do as part of their experience in honoring and praising God for His provision and the wonder of His creation. Worship is something that involves the total person. It is not just the songs we sing before the message the pastor gives. Nor is just the quick “nod to God” in the field. We worship Him with our lives, our words, our thoughts, and our actions.
Are you allowing yourself the full experience of worship? Are you letting your personal hang-ups and/or inhibitions create a barrier between yourself and God? Why not enjoy all the facets of worship there are to experience even in the field?
Scripture Reading: Psalm 104
Personal Application: Use Psalm 104 as a blueprint for worshiping the Lord today. What part of this Psalm did the Lord use with the most impact in your life?
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5