That's a good question. The fact is, I served in the U.S. Coast Guard for a few years back in the day. I started in Kodiak, Alaska and then was transferred to a rescue station on Lake Michigan where I was a small boat coxswain on a 41' rescue boat. In the Coast Guard, the coxswain is the person in charge of the boat, its crew, and how the mission is to be carried out. So, basically my job was to ensure our boat and crew were ready at all times to assist and rescue those who were in danger of perishing. It was also my job to make sure my crew didn't get sidetracked and lose sight of our mission. The mission, not us or our concerns, was the priority every time we went out.
So, in part, my affection for the Coast Guard is one reason for using such a picture. But, its not the only reason. You see, the Coast Guard's mission is to rescue people who are in trouble and in danger of peril. As I see it, that's the church's mission too. We are to be involved in rescuing the perishing. And this picture reminds me of that so that when I find myself immersed in all the nitty gritty of church life especially the administrative details, the inevitable internal conflict that comes when sinners rub shoulders, and yes, the good stuff too, I don't forget that first and foremost we're a rescue outfit. We are tasked with the mission of rescuing, with the gospel, those who are perishing. And we do it all for the glory of God and the eternal joy of those people who will believe the gospel and be rescued.
No comments:
Post a Comment