Saturday, October 13, 2012

Looking Toward Sunday



October 14, 2012 - Twentieth Sunday in Pentecost 

"Monkey Traps"

Our scripture reading for Sunday comes from the Gospel of Mark. (You can read the lesson here.Jesus and his disciples are about to leave on a journey when a wealthy man runs up and kneels before Jesus, asking, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  This man has kept all the commandments faithfully, yet he knows there's something missing.  Jesus knows it too. And what he instructs the rich man to do shocks both the man and Jesus' disciples.  Sell everything you have, give the money to the poor, and then follow me. The man walks away filled with sorrow because he's unable to do as Jesus asks.

Jesus could see that the man was gripping his wealth so tightly that he couldn't open his hands to receive the fullness of God's kingdom.  The man was held captive by his own unwillingness to let go of the obstacle that kept him from God.

Perhaps you've heard of the technique that African bushmen use to trap monkeys.  Here's a video that shows how it's done.  (Don't worry - the monkey isn't harmed!) 


The tighter we grasp the things that keep us stuck spiritually, the more like that monkey we become. Until we let go, we're trapped right where we are.

What are the "melon seeds" that you're grasping so tightly?  What is it that you need to let go of in order to be set free for authentic discipleship - for kingdom living - for abundant, joyful, eternal life in Christ?  Join us as we consider our "monkey traps".

See you on Sunday!