Preacher Jim's Bungee Jump

By Ben May


Preacher Jim was asked to preach for a large congregation in San Antonio, Texas. He had been preaching for a middle-sized church in Minnesota and arrived on a Monday in San Antonio. He was greeted warmly and moved into the parsonage, and his first official meeting was on Tuesday evening with the elders.


"Brothers, I am interested in getting to know you and request your help in doing this by meeting here at the church building Saturday morning at 8:00. While in Minnesota, I learned to enjoy bungee jumping and I felt it would be nice to meet down at that high bridge over the Medina River. I will make a jump and show you how it's done and perhaps you may like to try it also."


Saturday morning the elders were all at the church building and then headed to the Medina River. Once they arrived, the group went to the bridge and observed a Mexican American family having a reunion below. At that Preacher Jim said, "I don't think it will be a real problem, I know the stretch on the cord, and I will tie it off, so we won't disturb that family."


Preacher Jim tied off the cord, put on his harness, and climbed to the top of the handrail, and with that he jumped. As he got close to the bottom a huge cloud of dust arose with a bunch of gleeful laughter and shouts. Suddenly he arose and yelled, "HELP!!" The elders reached out for him but missed. Again, Preacher Jim went down and again a huge cloud of dust, laughter, and screams arose. As Preacher Jim came back up, all eight elders reached out and grabbed him. When he stood once again firmly on the bridge he asked, "Guys, what is a Piñata?"


---


The Danger of Ignorance


For some reason, the word "ignorant" comes to mind when I read this story!


1. The first reason is just the idea of bungee jumping.

2. The second was in being ignorant of what awaited him at the bottom.


Throughout the scriptures, God tells us that He doesn't want us to be ignorant. Whether it be about the fate of our loved ones and the end of time (**1 Thess 4:13-18**) or Satan and his devices (**2 Cor 2:11**), God wants us to know so as to be prepared. Also, we are admonished to know the scriptures thus never having to be ashamed (**2 Tim 2:15**).


### Our Compassionate Savior


Isn't it comforting to know that when we sometimes act "ignorant" that Jesus will come to our aid?


> *"He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness."* (**Heb 5:2**)


Have a great week!