Monday, "The Kite"

Bible Reading: John 6. 35
“The Kite”
    Who is John Newton? Well, a recent John Newton played Clark Kent on the show Superboy! However, I am speaking about the English sailor and clergyman who wrote the song "Amazing Grace".  Recently, I heard a sermon by Ray Reynolds about the poem written by John Newton in 1770 titled "The Kite". In the poem, the Kite says "Were I but free, I’d take a flight, And pierce the clouds beyond their sight,  But, ah! like a poor prisoner bound,  My string confines me near the ground....". Filled with pride on how high the Kite was flying, he felt that he could soar even higher were he not tied to and constrained by the string and the one who held the string.  After tugging and pulling, the kite broke free. However, he realized he could not fly without the string, and he plunged into the tide.  What a great illustration of how our pride, and lack of humility, can result in our own demise. How often have we been proud of our "own" achievements, not realizing who else was involved, who gave us the opportunity, or Who gave us the talent or ability to achieve this success? We have limits and constraints for a reason.  Often, the very things that make us feel tied to the ground are the very things that keep us from "crashing and burning".  Think about it, can you imagine highways without speed limits, deep gorges without barriers, and vehicles without seat belts.  God gives us limits for our own good, and our own souls.  When we allow pride to make us think we should have no boundaries, or that I can handle the excesses of this life, we set ourselves up for failure.  In John 6:35, Jesus says he is the "bread of life" and that whoever comes to him will never go hungry. In order to soar, we must realize who gives us wings, who gives us our talents, and who gives us our opportunities.  Jesus should be the center of everything we do, and allow him to get the glory in our achievements.  Without him, we are nothing.
Application:  Today, think of the times you have felt that your Christian faith and morals held you back from doing something you wanted to do, and what might have been the result had you not practiced constraint.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more