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Sermon Illustrations: Risk Taking

Isabel and Valerie von Jordan [her sister] escaped the tragedy in Bali and went to Kakadu National Park. Five days later, they were in swimming in the moonlight in crocodile infested waters, when Isabel was attacked and killed by a 5m croc. Signs were clearly posted warning about saltwater crocodiles1

David went out on a limb - he risked his life. He risked his reputation. Imagine if he'd failed and lived to tell the tale. He'd be the skeleton in the closet of that family. "Hey, Daddy. Tell us what happened to Uncle David." "You keep your mouth shut boy. We don't mention that name in this family." David could have been the crazy kid who went out to fight the giant. We remember him as a hero, but we forget that it started with the willingness to take a risk.

If a caterpillar refuses to get into its cocoon it'll never transform and will be forever relegated to crawling on the ground, even though it had the potential to fly. Word for Today 15-4-08

Harvey MacKay tells the story of a professor who stood before his class of 30 senior molecular biology students. Before passing out the final exam he said, "I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or graduate school next autumn. I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your grade point averages up. Because I am confident that you know this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic B to anyone who opts to skip taking the final exam." The relief was audible. A number of students jumped up from their desks, thanking the professor for the lifeline he had thrown them. "Any other takers?" he asked. "This is your last opportunity." One more student decided to go. The instructor then handed out the final exam, which consisted of two sentences. It read: "Congratulations, you have just received an A in this class. Keep believing in yourself." It was a just reward for the students who had worked hard and believed in themselves. Word for Today 17-4-08

Two caterpillars were perched on a leaf when they saw a butterfly overhead. The first caterpillar said to the second, "It might look like fun, but you'll never get me up in one of those things.

If no one ever took risks, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor. Neil Simon

1 Sunday Mail, 27-10-02 p3