I have been led to these topics that we’ve been studying for Lent. Yesterday we talked about “letting go”. I was in my room, about five this morning, praying, asking God for the next “surgery” topic. It became apparent that the idea of “letting go” might need a little more discussion.
Have you ever been monkey trapping? Nah, me either. But I’ve read about it and seen videos. I’m sure there are other ways, but the one I always remember is when the trappers had a big jar with a rather narrow neck. (Sometimes they create a trap in a dirt mound, same principle). The jar was attached to a big board; inside something that a monkey would want, peanuts or something shiny like marbles. Left where the monkey can find it, he puts his hand into the jar, grabs a fistful of goodies, but cannot get his hand out.
And he refuses to let go.
Even as the trapper carries him off, the monkey screaming in rebellion, yet he won’t let go. The monkey is caught between; on one side - freedom and life, on the other – captivity and death. The key to his freedom is letting go.
“Evildoers are snared by their own sin...” Proverbs 29:5
Satan may be out to trap us, but it is our own thoughts, desires, and actions that allow us to be caught.
“Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15
What’s in your hand? What are you clinging to so tightly that it’s allowing Satan access to your heart? Your mind? Your body? Well, unlike the monkey, we have someone on our side.
“The LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3:26
“My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:15
So then, what are we to do?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
How?
“Submit yourselves, then, to God.”
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8
A good thing to be thinking about; letting go and drawing near. And watch, just watch, how God draws near to you.
God willing, see you tomorrow. Pastor Jim
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