The empty pail: The first step up the mountain

By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
~ Matthew 4:17 ~

“Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water…” Continuing with last devotion’s rhyme, we often remember the fall… but rarely ask the deeper question: What if they made it to the top… but never learned how to draw from the well? Because in the life of following Jesus, the issue is not whether we’ve started the climb—it’s whether we are being formed and becoming who we need to be as we go to do what God needs us to do.

The first step toward becoming the person or leader you aspire to be is recognizing the mountain climb—the mountain of life—beginning with the one who gives life, now and always. When Jesus began His ministry, He didn’t start with a detailed plan. Instead, He issued a command: Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This marks the start of the climb for everyone. It’s not about striving or proving oneself, but about repentance as we climb Jesus’ mountain, known as the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospels.

Now the question is, have you truly repented? Is your mind, heart, and soul genuinely turned toward Jesus, or is it just a memory or an experience? Many followers of Christ would say, “I’ve already repented.” Maybe there was a moment. Maybe you were baptized. Maybe you had an experience that changed your environment or even your tongue. Those things matter. However, here’s a question worth sitting with: Is repentance something you did, an external act, or a continual, heartfelt posture that shapes your daily life? Genuine repentance in the way of Jesus is not a one-time act—it’s a continual turning of the heart toward Him, reflected in ongoing humility and dependence, based on His terms, not yours!

True humility, as cultivated through genuine repentance, embodies a deep personality trait. This isn’t the humility you might define, but the humility of God. To illustrate, consider the rhyme of Jack and Jill: they might reach the hilltop, but unless they lower their pail into the well, they gain nothing. That act of lowering—that act of bending—is humility. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” It involves honesty about your dependence on God, acknowledging, “I don’t have the water,” and “I need the Source.” It’s about being willing to change and become the person God intends, rather than the person man expects. Without humility, we defend ourselves; with humility, we open ourselves up. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This means grace flows where humility makes space. No wonder many so-called Christian leaders stumble and break their “crown” – faith.

Here’s where the real battle resides. In The Art of War – Jesus Style, the first battle is not out there, as I often state. It’s in the person where pride erodes the soul. You see…Pride says, “I’m fine.” Humility says, “I need Him and his teachings.” Pride holds on. Humility lets go. Pride performs. Humility receives. And only one of those can draw from the well. Jesus makes it clear in John 15:5: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” So the question is not whether we’re active…but whether we are abiding. Ask and test yourself, are you truly abiding? If so, true humility will be present.

This week, I encourage you to reflect gently and sincerely. This isn’t about guilt but about the convergence of truth and grace. Many have had moments with God but no longer walk closely with Him, not out of indifference, but because self-reliance, cultural influences, and self-gratification have quietly replaced humility. Jesus offers a sobering reminder in Matthew 7:22-23: “I never knew you.” This suggests you may have experienced repentance, been baptized, or had an adventure, but afterward, you stopped truly encountering Jesus. You haven’t fully climbed His hill (The Sermon on the Mount and the Gospels). Instead of loving God the Father, you have fallen in love with faith (tradition) rather than traveling the path of truth and grace. Jesus observes your actions, but nothing in His Father’s Kingdom remains because of you. If this describes you, it’s time to humble yourself, or Jesus will say, “I never knew you,” because you never truly walked and climbed with Him.

This week, don’t try to climb higher. It’s time to lower the pail, to bow before Jesus’ commands. Ask yourself: Where have I become self-reliant instead of God-dependent? Where is pride holding me back from genuine humility? Am I willing to be honest before God again, trusting that His grace is sufficient? Remember, repentance begins each day anew when humility makes room. Even if progress feels slow, trust that God is shaping you through these small, humble steps, and His grace sustains your journey toward deeper and grander spiritual growth.

Some things to do this week to cultivate humility through repentance. First, choose this one Command of Christ: “Repent.” Receive it—not just use it or receive it as correction only—but as an invitation. Second, practice humility by using those secret disciplines Jesus talked about. Take one area of your life and bring it quietly before God: Meditate on His truth. Pray honestly. Fast from something that feeds your independence, and study how Jesus lived differently as a humble leader rather than a prideful and arrogant one. Do this not to prove yourself, but to open yourself up to become the true follower and leader you ought to be. Three, take one humble step. Don’t forget, repentance always moves. Take one step that reflects surrender: Admit where you were wrong. Choose a different response, especially toward your fellow person (Love your enemy). Release control in one area. Be small, real, and honest. Finally, watch for the water, that is virtue forming within you. As you climb and drink, look for what begins to grow: A kinder and softer heart. A teachable spirit. A deeper dependence on God. That’s humility. That’s the water in your pail.

Back to our rhyme with meaning: Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water…but only those who bend low enough can draw from what He offers. And for us: Repentance is the step. Humility is the posture. Christ is the Source.

In ‘The Art of War – Jesus Style,’ the first victory isn’t about demonstrating strength but embracing dependence. This week, instead of just climbing, bow low and draw deeply from the Well, or otherwise your pail will be empty. Unlike Jack and Jill, who broke their crown (their faith), your love for life and your journey of faith will lead to the meaningful encounter you’ve always dreamed of with Jesus and all who dwell in God’s Kingdom, now and forever!

As always…God is here. God is able. God is good.

Pastor Drake

I’ll be continuing this conversation later this week on the Just Sayin’ podcast, where we’ll take a deeper look at the Empty Pail: The First Step Up the Mountain

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so, we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.