Bill Engvall, an American stand-up comedian once remarked: “I might have tried bungee jumping, until I saw that video of that guy whose cord came untied. He didn't know it 'till he hit the ground. Oh, he flew off that tower, hollering at his buddies. "Whoo, check me out, dudes! Oh, that ground is coming up..." WHAM! And what do you say, if you're the operator of that ride, to the next guy in line? "All right dude, you're up." Matthew 4:5-6 reminds us: “Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
A leap of faith is defined as an act of believing in or attempting something whose existence or outcome cannot be proved or known. It may essentially lie outside the boundaries of reason. In this particular context, it could be correlated to the known extreme sport of bungee jumping. Life is full of challenges, and rare opportunities sometimes arise that present moments of extreme chance or fulfillment. One of the many possible definitions of opportunity is regarded as a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Occasionally, it could be considered concomitant to building courage in one’s convictions. After an initial struggle, it may invoke a sufficient element of bravery and confidence to do what one believes in or want of achievement. However, if one is about to attempt a bungee jump for the very first time, considerable doubt would be created if it was considered as a comical affair or a stunt done purely for laughs.
For most normal individuals, it would be regarded as an extremely daunting prospect that required significant caution. To even think about, let alone climb to the pinnacle of a selected site in preparation for an actual jump, would effectively require much intrepidity and persuasion at the very least. Ephesians 5:15-19 reminds us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”
For those in life who could be considered fearless in heart or mind, they might consider bungee jumping as relative fun, extreme adventure or perhaps enraptured excitement, but regardless of these, few would ever reasonably consider it as humorous. Nerves of steel may be needed to make that final leap from a place of comparative safety into an abyss. It is reported that the first modern bungee jumps were made on the 1st April 1979 from the 76-meter-high Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, United Kingdom.
A bungee jump may be instigated from a moveable, but static point such as a platform at the top of a crane, etc. Or, more likely, from the top of a bridge, building, cliff, etc. It consists of a specific length of elasticated cord which is securely fastened to the jumper’s ankles. The participant then dives off the platform, head first, with blind faith and hope that the cord will prevent contact with the ground or water below. Because of the elasticity within the cord, when it reaches its maximum stretching point, it recoils itself back to its original shape, at the same time lifting the person back into the air at speed. This continues in an upward, then downward motion until the strain on the cord has eased. Safety in this type of exploit obviously remains of paramount importance by the organizers, as it contains a considerable risk to life should anything go wrong. However, the problem still remains that over time, cords become weakened by usage and strain. Strands naturally break or fray and the surrounding weather conditions, such as Sun. rain, wind, temperature, etc. may accelerate the cord’s deterioration.
Opportunities in life can provide growth, learning and progression. They can remove uncertainty, fear or hindrance from accomplishment. Maltbie Davenport Babcock, an American writer once remarked: “Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them. Everyone must be challenged. A day dawns, quite like other days; in it, a single hour comes, quite like other hours; but in that day and in that hour the chance of a lifetime faces us.” Galatians 6:10 confirms: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
A bungee jump is comparative to a leap of faith. As one delves into the unknown, uncertainty may prevail. Doubts may enter one’s mind as to whether they are doing the right thing. Some pertinent questions may be asked: “Is the cord at the right length? Has it been checked carefully for signs of wear or damage? Can I really trust the organizer for his professional ability in ensuring my safety? or, Should I really trust in God instead?”
Similar questions may be asked in any relationship with God. “What will the future hold for me? Will I come through it unscathed? Will God be there for me when I really need Him?” Isaiah 41:10 assures us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” There will be times in our lives when we need God badly. Faith is extremely important in life. Faith is akin to trust. We may depend on God’s protection in any new activity we are undertaking, especially one that may apply to a neoteric religious activity we are embarking on, or conversely, any extreme sporting activity, whether that involves elements of considerable risk or not. James 4:8 reminds us: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
The extreme sport of bungee jumping, since its inception, has gained in popularity. It is now considered as one of the most enjoyed “extreme” sports which is available throughout many destinations in the world. The exhilaration of free-falling through the air, like a bird without wings, that certain feeling in the stomach created by such an experience, or the adrenalin rush encountered from its thrill, is an untold escapade of wonderment and freedom for some. For others, it has been described as a fearsome, near-death experience. It certainly retains its hidden dangers. Unfortunately, to date, over twenty known recorded deaths have occurred from this activity which regrettably may be considered as an unnecessary shortening and sad loss of life from such an intended pleasurable activity. Jeremiah 32:35 reminds us: “They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to offer up their sons and daughters to Molech, though I did not command them, nor did it enter into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.”
Amen.
