Sermon Central
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The Flea Jar And Our Spiritual Limitations
Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 16, 2024 (message contributor)
In a scientific study, fleas capable of jumping several feet high were placed in a jar with a lid. Initially, they jumped high and hit the lid. Over time, they adjusted and started jumping just high enough to avoid hitting the lid. Eventually, the lid was removed, but the fleas continued to jump only as high as the lid used to be. Surprisingly, the next generation of fleas, who had never experienced the lid, also jumped only to the height of the former lid. This experiment illustrates how learned limitations can persist, even when the original barrier is removed.
Romans 8:19-21, "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."
The flea jar metaphor parallels the spiritual condition of humanity. Originally, as God’s creation, we were intended to live in perfect harmony and freedom with Him. However, after the Fall, like the fleas with the lid, our nature became 'capped' by sin, limiting our spiritual potential and disconnecting us from God. This spiritual 'lid' has led to a generational cycle where each successive generation lives with the consequences of the Fall, often unaware of the original purpose and potential bestowed upon us by God.
This story, combined with Romans 8:19-21, reminds us that despite our fallen nature, there is hope for liberation through Christ. Just as the fleas were no longer physically restricted by the lid, Jesus Christ has removed the spiritual 'lid' of sin, offering us a path to restored relationship with God. Our challenge is to recognize and embrace this newfound freedom, breaking free from the limitations imposed by sin, and reclaiming our identity as children of God.
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