Embracing the vision.

Above the exposed roots mired in the swamp of the everglades, standing steadfastly atop the skeletal winter branches of the cypress trees, perches the oblong silhouette of the Florida Bald Eagle.

Still and patient, the lofty domicile hunter awaits the briefest motion that will betray the movements of the unsuspecting conquest.

Within his view float the ignoble, predatory and insatiable alligators, heads barely above the surface, floating and menacing as they patrol their self-proclaimed dominion.

Far off the professional fisherman barges carelessly across the wilderness waters, killing as many as they catch by their thoughtless pattern of looking for the trophy, and discarding the rest.

The Eagles interest is fulfilling the need of his nest and protecting his own in the process.

Suddenly there is a piercing shriek. The alligators floating barge tactics stilled, the fisherman’s reel quieted as the unsuspecting meal routinely jumps the surface into the awaiting talons of the noble bird.

The eyes of the eagle see much farther and clearer than most wild birds. They can spot their prey from heights into the hundreds of meters. They just must learn to deal with the distractions of the host of competition.

When God gives the man of God the eyes of an Eagle, they stand as watchman, still and patient, looking for the event or action that will meet the needs of the flock God has entrusted to them.

They often spot the ignoble predatory carrion awaiting the chance to fill their bellies on the unsuspecting innocent, their motivations impure. They see the careless fishermen leaving a trail of the skeletal pieces of the undesired many, because of their callous, selfish agenda.

Our vision at times is distracted by our ability to see far off. We understand what tomorrow holds because we see the predators and uncaring fisherman. But our ministry is not to the multitudes, but the needy. God called us as fisher of men, but also keepers of the flock.

As we sit, atop the wall of the city we have been sent to, we must embrace the vision of those Christ has given us, and not ever be distracted by the tragedy of the times.

The final lesson of priorities given to His disciples was found in John 17: that as Jesus had received from the Father so He desired the same exchange to those God had given to Him. There must be a prioritizing of our purpose and never a neglect of our calling.