127 Hours

Would you cut off your arm to save your life? I recently watched the movie 127 Hours based on the true story of Aron Ralston whose arm is pinned under a boulder while canyoning alone near Moab, Utah. Aron's water has run out (he is forced to drink his urine), he has little chance of being rescued because he is out of sight and he is beginning to hallucinate. His only chance to live is to self amputate (with a blunt pocket knife) and to stay conscious so he doesn't bleed to death. Many people choose not to see the movie because of this scene but it wasn't that bad because it is in the context of .... I'm going to die anyway  ... I'm going to lose my arm anyway ... so I've got nothing to lose.


The amazing thing is that this accident saved Aron's life in more ways than one. Aron admits to being a selfish loner who didn't care much about his family. While trapped in the canyon, he has plenty of time to reflect on his selfishness and to consider what he really wants out of life. If only he can escape and be given a second chance at life. (See video interview). 


Jesus taught a similar thing re: chopping off your hand in order to save your life in Matthew 18:8. If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.


In order to have life we must deal with our sin problem in a radical way.