As the story goes, the monkey hunters cut a small hole or slit in a coconut and fill it with rice. Then they tie the coconut to a tree or attach it to a stake in the ground. The hole in the coconut is big enough for the monkey to get his hand in, but not big enough to get his hand out if it is filled with rice. As the hunters approach, the monkey desperately tries to get his fist out of the coconut, but can’t seem to understand that gaining his freedom is simply a matter of letting go of the rice.
Why do I hold so tightly to the things that are trapping me? Is it what I'm holding...or is it the actual act of holding something? Something I control, something that is mine. And then I look up and wonder how or why am I bound.
What are you not willing to let go of? What is of so much value that it costs you your life?
I too have been bound.
I too bear guilt and shame.
I too am letting go.
I too have been made free.
Hebrews 12:1-2
...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...
1 Peter 5:7-11
Casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while,
perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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2 comments:
Just recently did a teaching on this very subject. Quite a revelation, isn't it.
One of my lessons for our Children's Camp was on this same illustration. Hebrews 12:1 was actually the theme verse for this year- becoming untangled from sin. Great to see that great minds for God think alike!
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