Two skydivers jump from a plane at 15,000 feet. Both are wearing parachutes. One of them folds his arms, ignores the rip cord, and says to himself: “I’m perfectly safe because of my parachute.” He is still saying these words as he hits the ground. The other skydiver knows he will be safe only if he actually does something. He pulls the ripcord and lands safely.

That is where all of us are today. Either we pull the cord and head for safety or we ignore the manufacturer’s instructions. Many people are falling rapidly with a closed mind. They gain speed as they seek peace and safety in the things that promise life with gusto while ignoring the “Manufacturer’s” instructions. Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

We may not agree with the manufacturer of the parachute. We may not like the colour, the style, or the texture but it still is a fact, the rip cord is the only choice to avoid destruction. I can insist that is just too narrow and I don’t believe it will work. Then I can be “dead” wrong.

Father in Heaven, thank You for giving me an escape hatch in the form of your dear son, Jesus, in whose name we pray, AMEN.

Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.

Thanks to dlburns@freshwind.org