A communication of Calvary Lutheran Church, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Monkey Bars and Jesus!


In the sermon this past weekend, Pastor Steve mentioned that, when it comes to Jesus, we have three choices.  One choice is to have one hand in this world and one hand reaching out to Jesus; another choice is to live the lives we see fit, keeping both hands in this world; and a third choice is to let go of this world and give Jesus both our hands. 

When I heard that on Sunday, I have this mental picture of a set of round rings we used to have on the playground growing up.  We called them monkey bars.  I visualized myself hanging on with one hand in one ring and the other hand in another ring.  It was hard to hold yourself up when you had both hands in two rings.  As Pastor Steve said, Jesus can’t save you if you don’t let go.  We need to give Him BOTH our hands so He can pull us up.  That vivid picture got me to think more about how letting go can be both hard, but also freeing. 

What would happen if you and I really let go of this world and gave both hands to Jesus?  How might our lives be different?  Ask yourself this week what barriers you have in your life that make it hard for you to “let go” of the rings?  Why don’t you trust Jesus fully and completely with your life? 

Friends, it’s hard to “let go,” but I promise you, once you do, you will never look back.  Once you hand your entire life over to Jesus, you will be forever changed.  When we live out the life Jesus wants for us, we experience joy in all things, even during tough times and struggles.  You see joy comes from within and is not dependent on our outward circumstances. 

Here’s a wonderful Lenten video that reminds us of who Jesus is to us.  I hope you find yourself raising your hands and praising God as you watch and listen to this song.  Jesus Christ, You are indeed my life!  Alleluia!


To God be all Glory!
Pastor Carol

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