July 26, 2024

When Jesus Calls

An old folk singer once told a story of a friend who was a Navy SEAL.  The SEAL and his team were performing a covert operation to free hostages from an enemy encampment in a dark, remote location.  The team arrived by helicopter some distance away and silently made their way to the compound where they stormed into the rooms where the hostages had been held for months.  The rooms, as you can imagine, were filthy, dark, and the conditions were very bleak.  The hostages were curled up in a corner, terrified of the sounds and the happenings of the event.  When the SEALs entered the room, they heard the gasps and coughs of the hostages and stood at the door of the cell, commanding the hostages to follow them to their rescue and freedom.  The SEAL team was confused when the hostages wouldn’t follow them through the door to escape.  

Trying to work the problem and figure out the next course of action, this folk singer’s friend laid down his weapons, took off all of his tactical gear and laid down next to the hostages, curling up next them so closely that even his body was touching some of the hostages.  The SEAL softened the look on his face, quieted his voice, put his arm around the hostages and assured them they were friends trying to rescue them.  After a few minutes the hostages begin to realize that their enemy captors would never have approached them with so much care and compassion.  Seeing a new look in their eyes, the SEAL quietly reassured the hostages, “We are Americans and we are here to take you home.”  After seeing the compassionate look in his eyes, the hostages began, one by one, to stand and allowed the SEALs to take them to safety.

Some people struggle when a preacher tells them, or when they read it in the Bible, that they MUST follow Jesus.  Much like these hostages, for many of us, it is after we see the compassionate side of Jesus that we gain a better understanding of what He did for us.  We realize, like this Navy soldier, that Jesus selflessly, full of humility, made Himself like a prisoner of war to our enemy, the devil, to help us see that He is here inviting us to go with him to freedom.  

This Sunday, I plan to look at three invitations extended by Jesus – an invitation to follow Him.  I am excited to look at what those invitations are calling us to.  I am also praying that we will be reminded that ultimately, we have a choice as to how to respond to the calling of Jesus.  I pray with my whole heart you are able to join us Sunday.  

Grateful,

Pastor Brandon