Although there are several theories and complicated
metaphors about this old nursery rhyme, I have to admit that I started picking
it apart using biblical principles. I mean, seriously, check this out and see
what you think.
Here we have two people
(characters) walking up a hill together; aiming for the same goal or prize; a pail
of water. Then for no apparent reason,
Jack takes a complete nose dive downward in the opposite direction of where he
was originally heading. I couldn’t help
but think that maybe on the way up, something distracted Jack causing him to
take his eyes off his original goal. Was
there something more tempting to Jack or was it simply that he was running so
fast that he aimlessly forged ahead without paying attention to what might have
laid in his path; causing him to trip & fall? Maybe the hill was too steep and Jack got
tired. But then I wondered - Why did Jill
fall soon afterwards; right behind Jack?
Were her eyes fixed on Jack and what he was doing or did his fall somehow
cause her to fall as well?
Sort of like us and sin if you think about it for a
moment. Yes. Maybe a little farfetched,
but walk with me thru my analytical observation.
Look at Adam &
Eve; given direct access to God and placed in the Garden of Eden to work it and
take of it. They were given dominion
over the land and all the animals and told by God that they could eat from any
tree in the garden; except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:15-17 NIV
Then one day, along came Mr. Serpent; sneaking up on his
prey; seeking whom he may devour. Low
& behold, Eve was standing by; aware of his presence, but did not discern
his evil ploy. He tried to convince Eve that she should eat from the tree of
life. But Eve told him how God had
warned her & Adam; telling them that they shouldn’t eat the fruit from the
tree or even as much as touch it or they would die. Genesis 3 NKJV Nevertheless, the serpent was very sly and
explained to Eve that God didn’t want them to eat the fruit because their eyes
would be opened and they would know the difference between good and evil. And as we know, Eve ignored God’s direction
and ate the forbidden fruit. And with a little persuasion; she convinced Adam
to eat the fruit too; and he did; even though he knew what God had commanded
them. Their eyes were immediately open and they were aware for the first time
that they were naked and hid from God.
Even though they were honest with God, it didn’t change the fact that
they took their eyes off of what they were called to do and they turned towards
sin instead. And there began the fall of
man.
Now fast forward into our century where we aren’t any
different than Adam & Eve. I can
honestly say that if I have my eyes are fixed on Jesus and His direction, the
hill may be steep, but I keep going forward with every ounce of strength within
me; trusting that the Lord will sustain me when I’m too weak to move another
step. However, I must also admit there
are times when I lose my focus; take my eyes off of Jesus and do something I know goes against God’s
word or His leading. And just like Jack,
I take a nose dive down the hill. Unfortunately,
there’s no doubt in my mind there were times that my fall caused others to tumble
right behind me. How many souls could have
been spared if only I obeyed the voice & direction of the Lord?
So I ask you, what goal or prize are you aiming for
today? Are your eyes fixed on Jesus; on
His clear direction? Or has something
jumped in your path that could cause you to turn and a nose dive downhill? What about those around you; a spouse, your
children, lost loved ones & friends that don’t know Jesus? Are they possibly watching every move you
make to see if you really live the way you talk? When you get to the well at the top of the
hill, what is the end prize or goal you eyes are fixed on?
Be encouraged with Philippians
3:12-14 NIV, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have
already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and
sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I
do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I press on toward the goal to win the
prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Remember; your prize or goal should be more than just a “pail
of water”.
Jesus answered, “Everyone
who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever
drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them
will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John
4:13-14 NIV
Don’t seek after the worldly well; seek after the living
water that will quench your thirst; a well that will never run dry!
It’s that simple folks!
Be blessed my family & friends and walk in the Lord’s
total favor!
Love you all!
Cyndy
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