There is so much pain in the world. Bigotry, poverty, captivity, disease. Through it all, God is trying to get our attention. Why do we find it so hard to let go of the monkey trap and reach out to Him?
You know what a monkey trap is? In Africa the monkey hunters drill a hole in a coconut, just big enough for a monkey to stick in his hand and arm, so long as the hand is open and extended. However, if the hand is in a fist, it cannot enter or come out.
The monkey hunters put a worthless shiny stone in the coconut, big enough to ensure the monkey’s hand cannot come out while clinching the stone. The monkey is curious. He is attracted to the shiny object he spots inside the hole. Sticks in his hand and grasps the shiny, worthless pebble. Now he is possessive. He won’t let go. The coconut is anchored to the tree. The monkey hunters come. The monkey is screaming in fear, but he is captured, because he is holding onto a shiny, worthless pebble which becomes more important to him than his freedom.
I called a young lady in California one week ago. She has been to Haiti and knows the calling of God. But she has gotten her hand in a monkey trap. She was holding on to hurt and bitterness. And she was miserable.
Is ANYTHING worthwhile for losing our freedom in Christ? Is ANYTHING worth going to hell for when we have the opportunity to obtain heaven right now? Rush Limbaugh told it better than any preacher has ever said it: Forgiveness is not for the other person, it is for our own health. We cannot physically, emotionally and mentally bear up under the weight of endless unforgiveness. It will kill us as surely as a tiger trap.
When we get sick and tired of being sick and tired, I know where you can find rest and deliverance, and He will take your burden and carry it for you. All it costs is all of you for all of Him. That is a bargain K Mart or Wal-Mart can never dream of matching. Will you let go of the monkey trap and let God take control? Does Eternal Life sound so scary? Are you so sure of your own abilities that you chose your own decisions over your Creator? Hey, friend, chose life in Jesus Christ. Want to know more? Ask me, or someone else who knows Jesus.
Excuse me for “preaching”, but the work of the “junk man” – the devil who kills, steals and destroys – has gotten to me a bit, and I cannot let the day go by without telling someone there is not need to continue on part of the junk heap.
The Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace!
That’s rather a bit of circular logic isn’t it?
Rubbish to be sure .