Grasshopper’s Challenge

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:27-29 (ESV)

Do you remember the 70's hit TV series "Kung-Fu?" I used to love it as a kid. You may recall at the beginning of each episode they would show the scene were "Grasshopper" is challenged to take the pebble from his master's hand before he closes it. Of course, it takes many years of martial arts training before Grasshopper can accomplish the task.

I remember my friends and I would argue as to whether or not the master just let Grasshopper take the pebble when he was "ready" or whether he really was quicker than his master. Nonetheless, when I read the above scripture passage recently, I was reminded of that scene. Do we really think that we are faster than God or that we have the strength to wrestle our salvation out of his hand? Rather, is it not the master who snatches us from the fire.

Grace and Peace.