Seals and Service
April 28th, 2009I saw a sign a few days ago that read, “U.S. Navy 3 — Pirates 0.” It made me think about the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips. When the episode began I was impressed with the Captain’s self-sacrificing spirit in regard to saving his crew. As the story continued, I was impressed with the quality and integrity of the crew as well as the Captain.
I kept thinking, “send in the Seals” as the days drug out. As it turned out, that is exactly what happened. The result was the rescue of the Captain, execution of three pirates, and capture of one. It was a display of mercy and justice!
Then I thought about those Navy Seals. Those men are not Seals for fame or fortune. They did not become elite warriors by buying their way in or by a fancy pedigree. They are elite because they paid the price. They have ability, received training, and learned discipline. They know that all of the pain they endure in their training is for the saving of life – theirs and those they are sent to rescue.
God gives each of us certain abilities. He teaches us discipline (we typically call it patience). Each step of our walk with Jesus involves his training process. To what end? It is for the completion of our God-given mission. We are to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus and rescue those enslaved by the evil one.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
