I got up with tractors on my mind. I know you’re probably thinking I’ve lost it. “What in the world is he going to do with a tractor today?”

Agriculture was transformed with the introduction of tractors. These were slow moving machines with a tremendous amount of traction power. It helped to prepare the fields by tilling up the soil, and then helped planting the seed, and finally at the time of harvest, these machines performed a ton of work getting the crop out of the fields.

These old model machines were a marvel to the farmer, who previously had to walk behind a plow while a mule pulled the plow to break up the ground and prepare it for planting. There were even those who pulled the plow themselves when an animal wasn’t available. So the introduction of these low speed powerful machines was a marvel to behold, and a blessing to farmers all over.

Today, there aren’t many low power, low speed tractors still in use. Now we see huge behemoths that with enclosed cabins that are heated and cooled. These powerful machines can mover faster and more expeditiously. They can till up fields, plant, and harvest at record speeds. Much more can be done in a shorter period of time.

Tractors, whether of the old time variety, or the new fangled type, are a true blessing and miracle to the agricultural industry.

In Paul’s Second letter to Timothy 1:3-7, Paul writes, “I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”

Paul has expended a great deal of energy, and has made huge headways in planting the seed of faith among the Gentiles. Along the way, he was introduced to a young man named Timothy, who he mentored and encouraged. Paul is writing to Timothy from a damp and dark Roman prison cell, just before his death. Paul knows his time is about to be concluded, and yet he passes on to his young, energetic, full of life protege a true to life calling. Paul is old, slow, not as powerful, and just about worn out. Timothy is young, full of life and energy, able to move with a quickness and power. Paul says for Timothy to call on the faith passed down to him from previous generations. He urges Timothy to rekindle that fire that will push him further and faster than Paul was able to go.

Friends, we are going back to work at Preston Hollow. Some of us are the older model tractors with not near as much power or speed, but we can still get the job done of sharing the blessing of the good news with new people. Some of us are the newer model tractors that have all the bells and whistles. We can cover greater distances and our power gives us the ability to do more in less time. That means we can meet more people to encourage with our faith in Jesus. The newer model tractors can bring in more people for the slower older tractors to cultivate.

Let’s you and me be tractors for Jesus. Whether we’re an older model, or the new fangled kind, we can each play a part in welcoming others to a love that cannot be found any place else, a love without exception. Spread that tractor love, the kind that digs in deep, gets lots of traction, and is there for the long haul.

Love and Peace,

Pastor Tom