"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase"
1 Corinthians 3:6
A Message From the Horne of Africa
"WHEN THE CAPTAIN IS CAPTURED. . ."
04/16/2009
What do you do when the captain is taken captive? Before last week, had you ever heard the name Maersk Alabama? That's the name of a cargo ship sailing under "Old Glory," bringing desperately-needed grain and food supplies to the horn of Africa. Brainless Somali pirates foolishly attempted to hijack the freighter as was their custom. The man of the hour, however, was Captain Richard Phillips, who offered himself as a hostage in order to save his crewmen. He suffered deprivation on their small pirate vessel while discussions for an obscene ransom were being negotiated. Contrary to the old expression--what the pirates did not know, did hurt them. They were trifling with the power and the might of the American Navy! The destroyer, the USS Bainbridge, moved into place. With crack snipers on board, that stand-off would be brought to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion. The pitiful pirates learned the hard way what "destroyer" means. By the end of that day, three shots removed three pirates from the maritime scene forever and delivered the brave captain who had offered to "lay down his life for his friends." There is something thrilling about a daring rescue and when hoodlums get their just desserts. Heroism is not dead in America.
Have you noticed how that story parallels the message of the gospel? When his disciples disputed over who was the greatest, Jesus stated that his mission was "to give his life a ransom for many," Matthew 20:26. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, indicated his voluntary willingness to "lay down his life of himself--no one takes it away from me," John 10:18. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would "preach good tidings to the meek, bind up the broken hearted, proclaim liberty to the captives," Isaiah 61:1. Jesus applied those words to himself when he said, "he sent me to set the captives free," Luke 4:18. The Captain of our fate could not be held captive by the powers of darkness. The chief pirate of all time--the devil--mustered his host of devils to hijack the plan of Jesus, but he failed miserably. Death could not hold the Lord of Life, Acts 2:27. Death had no dominion over him, Romans 6:9. Relating to Jesus, the American Standard Version of the Bible puts it this way--"when he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to men," Ephesians 4:8.
Men should never be foolish enough to "trifle with God." If "double-dog daring" the U.S. Navy is precarious, imagine just how crazy it is to challenge God. "It is a dreadful [fearful] thing to fall into the hands of the Living God," Hebrews 10:31. God is power unlimited. He does not need explosive projectiles to punish the wicked, He just unleashes a little fire, flood or wind and man's resistance crumbles like a broken reed. This same God is our rock and our redeemer. We can have confidence in Him. He never fails. "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised," Hebrews 10:35-36.
When the plane brought the relieved crew back to America, happy hearts were re-united. Tears of fear were converted into smiles of joy. The captives had been released. It was much like I imagine how heaven will be. We will welcome our loved ones there with heartfelt joy and profound gratitude. Be assured of one thing: Our captain will never be taken captive. The one who has set us free, will keep us free if we will let Him. Let the Pirate of souls beware!
Love you all,
Al--"the Horne of Africa."