As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. – 2 Timothy 4:6
There’s an old story about a monkey who finds a jar filled with treats. Eagerly, he reaches in and grabs a handful, but when he tries to pull his hand out, he discovers he’s stuck. The jar’s opening is too small for his clenched fist, and though freedom is just a simple release away, he refuses to let go. Trapped by his own grasp, he remains stuck, unwilling to loosen his grip on what he wants.
So often in life, we find ourselves in a similar struggle. We hold on: to plans, to expectations, to past hurts, loved ones, or even to roles we have played for years, because letting go feels like loss. But what if letting go is the path to freedom, wholeness, or resurrection?
This Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey with the theme “Finishing Faithfully: It Is OK to Let Go.” In Luke 9:43-45, Jesus begins preparing his disciples for the road ahead, but they struggle to grasp what he is saying. In 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Paul, at the end of his ministry, writes with peace and confidence, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Both passages remind us that faithfulness is not just about perseverance; it is also about trust.
What might God be inviting you to release? What burdens are keeping you from moving forward? I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on these questions together, seeking the courage to trust God with open hands and open hearts.
Brett