Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of Mark to see how Jesus uses a very unique way to heal a blind man and why He would do something so…unexpected.
When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked. The man looked up and said, “I can see the people, but they look like trees walking around.” Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and when he opened them his sight was restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him home and said, “Do not go back into the village.”
My Thoughts
Have you ever prayed and asked God to do something, only for Him to do something totally unexpected?
Imagine you’re reading this for the first time (and maybe some of you are). A blind man is brought to Jesus by “some people.” I hope it was his family or friends, not just some folks wanting to see the “Jesus Freak Show.” Anyways, I digress. There’s great anticipation that the Master is going to do what they’ve all heard about: “Heals the sick, raises the dead, and even casts out demons.”
As the man is brought forward with shaky steps, the crowd goes silent. The blind man’s eyes are lifeless, but his ears are finely tuned out of necessity. He hears “Ptooey”—and spray splashes his eyelids. In shock, he’s thinking to himself, “Did the Healer just spit in my eyes!? Wait! Now He’s rubbing it in with His hands. LIGHT! I CAN SEE LIGHT! And men like trees!”
Jesus places His hands on the man’s eyes again—and he can see clearly. Hallelujah!!!
Wait a minute. Spit!? Yup. Probably the last thing the man, the people, or His disciples expected. And that’s probably where we got the saying, “God works in mysterious ways.” But that’s not the only time God has done something totally unexpected to heal, communicate His grace, or even pass judgment.
The list is long, but my favorite example in the Old Testament is Naaman the Leper. Elisha tells a mighty general of a foreign army to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. The commander is furious, saying that “there are cleaner rivers back home. Why would I go dunk myself in a mudhole like the Jordan—and do that multiple times?” His servants talk some sense into him, and he obeys the prophet’s strange command. He is cleansed and has skin like that of a child!
Was it the Jordan that healed his leprosy? No. Was it the magic number seven? No. It was obedience in faith. And that, my friends, carries a major lesson about our discipleship methods.
I think Jesus healed in multiple different ways for two reasons:
Because the Father told Him to.
Because He didn’t want the method to get in the way of God’s glory—or of the faith and obedience of the recipient.
So be careful not to let your methods hijack either one!
My Story
I was just telling this story to a new friend last night. I was having a very successful career in the Army and one morning, decided to head to a nearby lake and spend some concerted time in prayer. As I was looking across the lake I noticed how full and vibrant the trees were. One tree in particular stood out. It was a bit weirdly shaped and had three distinct branches. The first was moderately full of leaves, the second more and than the third was absolutely exploding with leaves. Then God spoke. Not in an audible voice but clear as day. (For those who have had this happen to you, and there are many, you know what I’m talking about).
God was telling me this was a picture of the fruitfulness of my life. Phase one was now over. I had experienced some fruitfulness and I was very excited about what Jesus was doing in and through Deb and I’s lives. But He was telling me that phase was now ending and I was heading into the second branch. Even more fruit! He was telling me He was going to change my life. It was shortly after that God called me out of the Army to go to college and seminary and then go back into the Army as a chaplain. I definitely didn’t see that one coming! The Holy Spirit uses a weird looking tree to call me into the next fruitful phase of my life. A tree.
Now that wasn’t His last word on the calling. There was confirmation from my Bible reading, answered prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances that lined up. But it all started with the Holy Spirit showing me a vision for what could be through a tree.
Our Action Plan
Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas;
Ask those you are discipling, “How has God done something totally unexpected in your life?”
Ask them if they think He does that “unexpected thing” everytime or with everyone.
Ask “What is the crucial lesson that comes from God’s creative ways of speaking and ministering to His people?”
God’s ways are often unexpected, but they always serve a purpose far greater than we can imagine. Whether through spit, a tree, or a muddy river, He calls us to trust Him fully, obey in faith, and let His glory shine through the unconventional.
¿Escupir? – #110
¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy analizaremos el Evangelio de Marcos para ver cómo Jesús sana a un ciego de una forma tan singular y por qué hizo algo tan… inesperado.
¡Comencemos!
Marcos 8:22-26
Al llegar a Betsaida, trajeron a un ciego y le rogaron a Jesús que lo tocara. Él, tomándolo de la mano, lo sacó del pueblo. Luego, escupió en los ojos del ciego y le impuso las manos. “¿Ves algo?”, le preguntó. El hombre levantó la vista y dijo: “Veo a la gente, pero parecen árboles que caminan”. Jesús volvió a poner las manos sobre los ojos del ciego, y al abrirlos, recuperó la vista y pudo ver todo con claridad. Lo envió a su casa y le dijo: “No vuelvas al pueblo”.
Mis Pensamientos
¿Alguna vez has orado y le has pedido a Dios que haga algo, solo para que Él haga algo totalmente inesperado?
Imagina que estás leyendo esto por primera vez (y quizás algunos de ustedes lo estén haciendo). Un hombre ciego es llevado ante Jesús por “algunas personas”. Espero que hayan sido su familia o amigos, no solo algunos que quieren ver el “Espectáculo de Jesús Freak”. En fin, me estoy desviando del tema. Hay una gran expectación de que el Maestro haga lo que todos han oído: “Sana enfermos, resucita muertos e incluso expulsa demonios”.
Mientras el hombre es llevado al frente con pasos temblorosos, la multitud guarda silencio. Los ojos del ciego están inertes, pero sus oídos están afinados por necesidad. Oye “Ptooey” y el agua salpica sus párpados. En estado de shock, piensa: “¿¡El Sanador me acaba de escupir en los ojos!? ¡Espera! Ahora me lo frota con las manos. ¡LUZ! ¡PUEDO VER LA LUZ! ¡Y los hombres como árboles!”
Jesús vuelve a poner las manos sobre los ojos del hombre, y este puede ver con claridad. ¡Aleluya!
Un momento. ¿¡Escupir!? Sí. Probablemente lo último que el hombre, la gente o sus discípulos esperaban. Y de ahí probablemente viene el dicho: “Dios obra de maneras misteriosas”. Pero esa no es la única vez que Dios ha hecho algo totalmente inesperado para sanar, comunicar su gracia o incluso juzgar.
La lista es larga, pero mi ejemplo favorito del Antiguo Testamento es el de Naamán el leproso. Eliseo le dice a un poderoso general de un ejército extranjero que se sumerja siete veces en el río Jordán para sanar. El comandante se enfurece y dice: “Hay ríos más limpios en casa. ¿Por qué me sumergiría en un charco de lodo como el Jordán, y lo haría varias veces?” Sus sirvientes lo convencen de entrar en razón, y obedece la extraña orden del profeta. ¡Queda limpio y tiene la piel como la de un niño!
¿Fue el Jordán lo que sanó su lepra? No. ¿Fue el mágico número siete? No. Fue la obediencia en la fe. Y eso, amigos míos, nos enseña una lección importante sobre nuestros métodos de discipulado.
Creo que Jesús sanó de muchas maneras diferentes por dos razones:
Porque el Padre se lo ordenó.
Porque no quería que el método interfiriera con la gloria de Dios ni con la fe y la obediencia del receptor.
Así que tengan cuidado de no dejar que sus métodos se apropien de ninguno de los dos.
Mi Historia
Anoche le contaba esta historia a un nuevo amigo. Tenía una carrera muy exitosa en el ejército y una mañana decidí ir a un lago cercano y dedicar un tiempo a la oración. Mientras miraba al otro lado del lago, noté lo frondosos y vibrantes que estaban los árboles. Un árbol en particular destacaba. Tenía una forma un poco extraña y tres ramas distintas. La primera estaba bastante llena de hojas, la segunda más y la tercera estaba completamente llena de hojas. Entonces Dios habló. No con una voz audible, sino con la claridad del día. (Para quienes les haya pasado esto, y hay muchos, saben de qué hablo).
Dios me decía que esto era una imagen de la fecundidad de mi vida. La primera fase ya había terminado. Había experimentado cierta fecundidad y estaba muy emocionado por lo que Jesús estaba haciendo en y a través de la vida de Deb y la mía. Pero Él me decía que esa fase estaba terminando y que me dirigía hacia la segunda rama. ¡Aún más fruto! Me decía que iba a cambiar mi vida. Poco después, Dios me llamó a dejar el ejército para ir a la universidad y al seminario, y luego a regresar al ejército como capellán. ¡Definitivamente no lo vi venir! El Espíritu Santo usa un árbol de aspecto extraño para llamarme a la siguiente etapa fructífera de mi vida. Un árbol.
Esa no fue su última palabra sobre el llamado. Hubo confirmación en mi lectura de la Biblia, oración contestada, consejos sabios y circunstancias que se alinearon. Pero todo comenzó cuando el Espíritu Santo me mostró una visión de lo que podría suceder a través de un árbol.
Nuestro Plan de Acción
Ahora es momento de aplicarlo. Aquí tienes algunas ideas:
Pregúntales a quienes estás discipulando: “¿Cómo ha hecho Dios algo totalmente inesperado en tu vida?”.
Pregúntales si creen que Él hace esa “cosa inesperada” siempre o con todos.
Pregúntales: “¿Cuál es la lección crucial que se desprende de las maneras creativas en que Dios habla y ministra a su pueblo?”.
Los caminos de Dios a menudo son inesperados, pero siempre tienen un propósito mucho mayor del que podemos imaginar. Ya sea a través de saliva, un árbol o un río fangoso, Él nos llama a confiar plenamente en Él, a obedecer con fe y a dejar que su gloria brille a través de lo inusual.
Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com
They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:19
Preparation for Graduation
The mirror in Wade’s quarters reflected a stranger – a Ranger in gleaming powered armor, its titanium-ceramic plates catching the light. The Marine Corps’ iconic anchor and globe insignia was emblazoned on the chest plate, the gold relief standing proud against the iridescent armor coating. His fingers traced the emblem’s raised edge, remembering how that same symbol had once felt impossibly out of reach. Now it sat naturally on his armor, earned through blood, sweat, and more than a few nightmares.
“Your power coupling is misaligned,” Jay announced from the doorway, already suited in his own armor, the servos humming quietly with each movement. He crossed the room and adjusted Wade’s shoulder pauldron with practiced precision. “The field harmonics need to be perfect for the neural interface. Old tradition – supposedly helps sync your movements with the armor’s response systems.”
Wade stood still, letting his friend make the adjustment. “You actually believe that?”
“After everything we’ve seen?” Jay’s helmet lights blinked in amusement. “I believe in being thorough. Speaking of which…” He produced his ragged copy of the Ranger handbook. “Metro’s got a betting pool going on which squad will mess up the Ranger Creed.” They both laughed.
The familiar routine of preparation settled over them, but this time it felt different. This wasn’t like gearing up for a combat drop or a live-fire exercise. Every motion carried the weight of ceremony, of history.
Down the corridor, other Rangers-to-be were going through their own preparations. The usual banter was muted, replaced by a focused intensity. Someone was practicing the creed in a low voice: “Recognizing I volunteered as a Ranger. Fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession…”
Wade caught fragments of conversations as he walked the halls, his armor’s boots clicking against the deck plating, checking on his platoon one last time as their platoon sergeant:
“Did you hear? General Redside himself is conducting the ceremony—”
“My great-grandfather’s Marine Corps medallion. Been through three planetary campaigns—”
“Make sure your armor’s neural interface is calibrated exactly to—”
On the parade ground, maintenance crews were transforming the open space into something appropriately ceremonial. The battle-scarred dropships had been arranged in a perfect crescent. Each ship’s running lights pulsed in sync, creating a rippling wave of red energy that seemed to echo the heartbeats of the graduating class.
Metro was there, meticulously adjusting the holographic displays that would show their achievements to the assembled dignitaries. “They’re going to play the combat footage,” he said without looking up. “…from the Zoo on Carthis 7. The brass thinks it’ll inspire the next generation.”
Wade watched the silent replay of their most harrowing moment, now sanitized and edited for ceremony. The footage showed their squad moving through the twisted architecture of the Skravak nest, plasma rifles blasting, armor covered in the black fluid of their alien prey. The recording couldn’t capture the acidic stench of the nest, the way the ground seemed to pulse beneath their feet, or how time seemed to stretch and compress. But maybe that was the point of graduation – to transform raw experience into something that was a little more patriotic and inspire future recruits.
The chronometer above the barracks doors counted down the minutes until the ceremony. With each passing minute, the air seemed to grow thicker with anticipation. This wasn’t just about getting a Ranger Tab. This was about becoming part of something larger than themselves – a lineage of Rangers who had pushed back the boundaries of known space, who had faced the impossible and found ways to survive it.
Wade made one final check of his armor’s systems in the reflection of a viewport. Beyond the reinforced glass, Rinart 3’s earthlike landscape. A fresh rainfall created a rainbow arch over the graduation grounds. With God rays piercing the clouds. It seemed fitting – The Creator’s artwork giving approval to their endeavor to bring peace in His creation.
Now they stood ready to cross that final threshold, not as individuals but as Rangers. The tab they would ware wasn’t just protection – it was a promise to face the unknown, to push beyond the comfortable boundaries of human experience, to explore not just space but the very limits of human potential.
“Time check,” Jay announced, his voice carrying the same precision he used in the cockpit.
“Thirty minutes to formation,” Metro confirmed, his armor’s status lights glowing steady green.
Wade nodded, feeling the familiar weight of leadership settle onto his shoulders. This time, though, it wasn’t about leading them through danger or uncertainty. It was about leading them into their future, walking worthy of the tab they had earned to wear and uphold their Spartan tradition.
“Well then,” he said, cradling his helmet in the crook of his arm, “Let’s not keep the universe waiting.”
Unexpected Attendees
The parade ground buzzed with a flurry of unexpected faces, each one representing a chapter in their grueling journey. General Redside, who had been more than just a commanding officer – a constant guardian and mentor throughout their transformation – stood tall and proud, his decorated uniform gleaming in the morning sun. He took his place next to the Ranger School Commandant and Sergeant Major, his weathered face betraying a hint of paternal pride as he prepared to give his honorary remarks.
As the formation executed their precise movements in front of the gathered guests, Wade’s eyes swept across the crowd, his heart thundering against his ribcage when he spotted them – Admiral Kitzler, his presence commanding as ever, and Mrs. Kitzler, soft and looking as proud as a natural mother would be of her son. And beside her… Kristen! She stood there in a blue dress that caught the morning light, her radiant smile and unwavering gaze speaking volumes of the sleepless nights, the endless worry, and most importantly, her unshakeable love and faith in him. The sight of her nearly brought him to his knees, even in formation. “But how in the world…” His thoughts were interrupted by reminding himself he was in a parade.
Next to Kristen, arm in arm with a quiet dignity that seemed to radiate from within, stood Lieutenant Mayumi Kato. Her usual intelligent smile played across her features, but today it was softened with an almost maternal pride as she nodded respectfully towards Wade. Her presence represented the bridge between his past and future, a reminder of the path that had led him here. He knew Jay would be thrilled she made the trek to Rinart 3.
The shock of seeing his people, these pillars of his life gathered in one place, sent waves of emotion crashing through his chest, almost overwhelming his carefully maintained military bearing.
Metro’s wife stood nearby, her hands clasped tightly in front of her dress, her presence a living testament to the countless sacrifices made by all military families. The quiet strength in her bearing, the subtle way she held herself, spoke of lonely nights, delayed dinners, and unwavering support through countless deployments. Metro’s posture subtly shifted when their eyes met across the parade ground – he stood a little taller, his shoulders squaring just a fraction more, drawing strength from their silent exchange.
As the ceremony began in earnest, Wade felt a surge of emotion that threatened to break through his professional façade. These people – his mentors who had pushed him beyond his limits, his loved ones who had believed in him even when he doubted himself, his brothers and sisters in arms who had bled and suffered alongside him – had all played crucial roles in sculpting him into the Ranger he had become. Their presence here, at this moment of triumph, transformed what was already a significant achievement into something profound and deeply personal.
Metro gave the command for the platoon to halt and face the grandstand. With a crisp salute he report 56 Rangers of the 200 who had started were present and accounted for. The Commandant returned his salute and a familiar face stepped to the podium, Chaplain Bronson! He gave a short but powerful invocation and thanked Jesus Christ for the strength He had given these warriors. Wade was so taken back, he forgot to bow his head and Bronson said Amen, he gave a proud nod to Wade and took his seat next to the Sergeant Major. Redside adjusted the microphone and grasped the podium like he was confidently wrestling a lion. His remarks were mercifully short.
Redside stepped forward in front of the formation, holding the compact laser embosser with reverence. The metallic device hummed with technological sophistication, its weight representing the gravity of the moment. With careful movements that spoke of years of tradition, he positioned the device against the left shoulder of Wade’s armor, then Jay’s. The high-intensity beam triggered with a soft whine, cutting through the morning air with its sharp burst of yellow light. The crisp, permanent mark it left behind wasn’t just a symbol – it was a physical manifestation of their transformation, their suffering, their triumph. The Ranger tab now etched into their armor would forever remind them of this moment, of these people, and of the warriors they had become.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the formal atmosphere dissolved into a sea of congratulations, firm handshakes, and heartfelt embraces. Proud families surged forward, photos taken, and the air filled with laughter and well-wishes for the future. But for Wade, the crowd seemed to fade away, his focus narrowing to a single point – Kristen.
He moved through the throng with purpose, his newly-embossed Ranger tab catching the sunlight on his shoulder. When he reached her, his movements became deliberately gentle, conscious of the hard edges of his combat armor as he drew her into an embrace. Kristen melted into his arms despite the rigid plates between them, her fingers finding purchase on the familiar contours of his gear.
“I knew you would come back,” she whispered against his chest, her voice thick with emotion. “We had a promise. God made us a promise. I knew you would come back for me.” The words carried the weight of countless nights of prayer, of unwavering faith tested but never broken.
Wade gently eased her to arm’s length, his gloved hands resting lightly on her shoulders. He looked deep into her eyes, finding there all the strength and love that had sustained him through the darkest moments of his training. In that gaze was their shared past and their promised future, every prayer spoken, every moment of separation that had led to this reunion.
“Always,” he said simply, the word carrying the weight of an oath.
Then he pulled her close once more, feeling her warmth even through his armor, standing as an anchor in the swirling celebration around them. In that moment, the newly etched Ranger tab on his shoulder felt like more than just a symbol of military achievement – it was a promise kept, a path that had led him back to her, just as he’d sworn it would.
Secret Recon Mission
After the pomp and circumstance of graduation, Wade, Kristen, Jay, and Mayumi were ushered into a private briefing room. General Redside and Admiral Kitzler stood at the head of the table, their faces serious.
Redside spoke in measured tones. “Congratulations on your graduation,” he began. “But I’m afraid the real work is just beginning. And you won’t be going to the Ranger Regiment anytime soon. I’ve chosen you all for a top-secret reconnaissance mission of utmost importance to the Confederation.”
Wade and Jay stood stunned.
The room fell silent as the gravity of his words sank in. Redside continued, outlining a dangerous mission deep into uncharted space, where intelligence suggested a path to the origins of the Skravak “aliens” and the roots of the conspiracy.
“You’ll start with this mining operation and follow the breadcrumbs to their origins. Your unique skills and experiences make you the ideal team for this mission,” Redside explained. “We need your expertise in tactics, your advanced piloting skills, psychological and photographic memories and your technical expertise.”
Suddenly Wade realizes Redside is not just talking about him and Jay. He included Mayumi and Kristen. It was hard for him to contain the confusion and concern.
As the briefing progressed, Wade noticed Kristen’s quiet confidence. It was then that Redside dropped another bombshell.
“Dr. Kitzler,” he addressed Kristen, “your father and I have discussed your exceptional abilities, and we believe you’re ready for this. Do you accept this mission and the rank that comes with it?”
Kristen stood tall. “I do, sir.”
In a brief but meaningful ceremony, Kristen was sworn in as a Navy Ensign. Wade’s chest swelled with pride for her but was completely confused by what was happening.
The Revelation
As General Redside finished administering the oath and lowered his right hand, he turned to Wade and Jay. Something in the General’s demeanor – a barely concealed smile playing at the corners of his mouth – suggested this wasn’t standard operating procedure.
“Gentlemen,” he began, his voice pitched low enough that only they could hear, “I believe I owe you an explanation about our unexpected guest.” His eyes flickered briefly toward Kristen.
The two men remained silent, but their postures shifted subtly – Wade’s spine straightening, Jay’s head tilting slightly as if to better catch every word.
“It’s quite remarkable, really,” Redside continued, settling into the rhythm of his story. “After your ‘death,’ Kovacs, we thought we had every loose end tied up. Every base covered.” He gave a rueful shake of his head. “We didn’t count on Dr. Kitzler’s… persistence.”
A knowing smile crossed Wade’s face before he could suppress it. Kristen had always been like a dog with a bone when something didn’t add up.
“First came the questions,” Redside said, his voice taking on an almost admiring tone. “Small ones at first – inconsistencies in the official report, discrepancies in the timeline. But they grew. Evolved. Soon she was constructing elaborate psychological profiles, probability matrices…” He paused, letting out a short laugh. “She even cornered me in my own office – twice.”
The General’s expression sobered. “But it was her presentation to Admiral Kitzler that truly changed everything. Her own father, mind you. She walked into his office with a three-inch binder full of evidence suggesting you were alive, Kovacs. Evidence that, quite frankly, was disturbingly accurate.”
Wade felt his chest tighten. He could picture Kristen, fierce and determined, fighting for what she believed in. It was one of the things he’d always loved about her.
“The Admiral was impressed, naturally. But bringing a civilian into a secure operation of this sensitivity?” Redside spread his hands. “Unprecedented doesn’t begin to cover it.”
He began to pace, three steps one way, three steps back. “That’s when she surprised us all. Offered to accept a direct commission into the Navy. Said her psychiatric expertise and her…” he glanced at Wade, “personal insights could prove invaluable to the mission.”
Jay let out a low whistle. Wade stood frozen, processing the implications.
“We had a choice to make,” Redside continued. “Continue the charade and risk pushing away someone who’d already pieced together most of the puzzle, or… bring this amazing woman on the team.”
Redside looked at Wade, “And once I told her about your cockamamie plan to go to ranger school so you could stay in the fight…and get back to her, she was all the more resolved.”
The General stopped pacing and faced them squarely. “I want you both to understand something. Dr. Kitzler didn’t just stumble into this position. She fought for it. Earned it. And given what we’re up against with this Skravak situation, her insights could be the edge we need.”
Wade felt the weight of the moment settle over him like a physical thing. Kristen hadn’t just waited for him – she’d fought her way through bureaucracy, protocol, and military hierarchy to stand beside him. The mission ahead suddenly seemed both more complex and more promising.
“Sir,” he finally managed, his voice rough with emotion, “what are our next steps?”
Redside gave Wade and Jay a rueful grin. “In the past I offered you both battlefield commissions to Lieutenant. And you both turned me down. You don’t have a choice this time. You are both here by promoted to 2nd lieutenant and I don’t want to hear any quibbling. Is that clear?”
Wade and Jay exchanged a glance before respectfully accepting.
Redside had them raise their right hands and administered the oath.
“Thank you, sir,” Wade said, “We won’t let you down.”
Redside nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. “Very well. Your mission begins in 48 hours. You’ll be briefed in greater detail on the ISC Dominion and fully kitted out. It’s a short fuse so no time for a honeymoon.”
The four looked at each other with some amusement.
Vows Among the Stars
As the briefing concluded, Admiral Kitzler stepped forward and Sarah Kitzler was ushered into the briefing room. “Before you embark on this mission, there’s one more order of business.” The Admiral smiled, a rare sight that transformed his usually stern face. “I believe we have some vows to exchange.”
In a scene that seemed almost surreal, Admiral Kitzler performed a double wedding ceremony right there in the briefing room. Wade and Kristen stood hand in hand, their eyes locked in a gaze of pure love and commitment. Beside them, Jay and Mayumi mirrored their pose, their own journey of love having blossomed in the midst of war and uncertainty.
As Wade recited his vows, he felt a profound sense of peace wash over him. This moment, this union, was a testament to his journey of faith. From the lost and broken teenager he had once been to the man standing here now, he could see God’s hand guiding him every step of the way.
“I, Wade, take you, Kristen, to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before God and these witnesses, I vow to love you, protect you, and stand by your side through whatever challenges we may face. In war and in peace, in danger and in safety, my heart is yours, now and always.”
Kristen’s voice was steady as she repeated her own vows, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. As Admiral Kitzler pronounced them husband and wife, Wade felt as if his heart might burst with happiness.
The vows recited by Jay and Mayumi were equally moving, their love a beacon of hope in the uncertain future that lay ahead.
New Lives, New Mission
As the newlyweds prepared to board the Stellar-Scout, the gravity of their mission settled over them. They were embarking on a journey into the unknown, facing dangers that they could scarcely imagine. Yet, as Wade looked at Kristen, at Jay and Mayumi, at the friends and family gathered to see them off, he felt a surge of hope.
“Ready for our next adventure, Mrs. Kovacs?” he asked, squeezing Kristen’s hand.
She smiled up at him, her eyes full of love and determination. “Always, Mr. Kovacs.”
With a final wave to their loved ones, the two couples boarded the Stellar-Scout. As the ship’s engines hummed to life, Jay took his place at the controls, Wade beside him. They exchanged a look of understanding – whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
The Stellar-Scout lifted off, carrying with it not just four elite warriors, but four hearts full of love, faith, and hope for the future. As Rinart 3 faded into the distance, Wade offered a silent prayer of thanks and protection. Their journey was far from over – in fact, it was just beginning.
In 1 Chronicles 29:11, we read: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Linguistic Analysis: Unpacking the Hebrew Term
The Hebrew word for “exalted” here is נָשָׂא (nasa) [Strong’s H5365], which means to lift, bear up, carry, or exalt. This term conveys the idea of elevation or raising to a higher position, both literally and figuratively. In the context of God, it signifies His supreme authority and transcendent nature.
The Nature of Divine Self-Exaltation
God’s self-exaltation is not rooted in arrogance or pride, but in the reality of His supreme being and perfect nature. Unlike human self-exaltation, which often stems from insecurity or a desire for recognition, God’s self-exaltation is a revelation of His true nature and position in the universe. It is an expression of truth rather than a bid for attention or approval.
Jesus: The Perfect Model of Divine Exaltation
Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, provides the perfect example of how divine self-exaltation differs from human arrogance. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently pointed to His Father’s glory while also affirming His own divine nature. His approach was not one of self-aggrandizement, but of revealing the truth about His identity and mission.
Consider John 17:5, where Jesus prays, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” This statement demonstrates God glorifying Himself through the Son and that exaltation is not from self-promotion but a statement of fact.
Theological Implications of Divine Exaltation
The concept of God exalting Himself is intrinsically linked to the nature of His kingdom. As the sovereign ruler of all creation, God’s self-exaltation is a declaration of His rightful place and an invitation for His creation to recognize and respond to His authority.
This self-exaltation serves multiple purposes:
1. It reveals God’s character and attributes to His creation.
2. It establishes the proper order in the universe, with God at the center.
3. It provides a foundation for worship and devotion.
4. It points to the ultimate exaltation of Christ as King of kings.
Christological Fulfillment
The Old Testament concept of God’s self-exaltation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 describes how God has “highly exalted” Jesus and given Him “the name that is above every name.” This exaltation is not for Christ’s personal glory alone, but “to the glory of God the Father”.
A Call to Worship and Understanding
God’s self-exaltation, far from being arrogant, is a necessary revelation of His nature and position. It establishes the foundation for proper relationship between Creator and creation, and finds its perfect expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As believers, understanding this concept should lead us to humble worship and a recognition of God’s supreme authority in our lives and in the universe.
Disciple-Maker’s Short Story
“The Dawn of Understanding”
The soft glow of a desk lamp illuminated the cramped dorm room, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. Pete’s eyes, still heavy with sleep, struggled to focus on the small print of his Bible. Across from him, Trevor sat cross-legged on his bed, his own Bible open on his lap, eager to get started.
“Remind me again why we’re doing this at 7 AM?” Pete grumbled, stifling a yawn.
Trevor’s lips curved into a patient smile. “Because, my friend, this is how we build a foundation. One verse, one chapter, one day at a time.”
Pete nodded reluctantly, turning his attention back to the text. They had been meeting like this for weeks now, Trevor guiding Pete through the unfamiliar terrain of daily devotionals. It was a new world for Pete, one he approached with equal parts curiosity and skepticism.
As they started their Old Testament reading, Trevor directed them to 1 Chronicles 29:11. Pete’s brow furrowed as he read aloud, his voice growing incredulous with each word:
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Pete’s head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. “Wait a minute. If God is the author of His Word, isn’t He talking about Himself here? That’s not very humble of God, is it?! I mean, isn’t He basically bragging here?”
Trevor leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “I can see why you might think that, Pete. But there’s a crucial difference between divine self-exaltation and human arrogance.”
“How so?” Pete challenged, his tone a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
Trevor took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “When we, as humans, exalt ourselves, it often comes from a place of insecurity or a need for recognition. But God’s self-exaltation is different. It’s a declaration of truth, an expression of His very nature.”
Pete’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“Think of it this way,” Trevor continued, his eyes alight with passion. “God isn’t trying to convince anyone of His greatness. He’s simply stating what is. It’s like the sun declaring its brightness – it’s not boasting, it’s just expressing its inherent nature.”
Pete leaned back, considering this. “But doesn’t that still seem… I don’t know, a bit much?”
Trevor smiled. “That’s where Jesus comes in. He showed us what true divine exaltation looks like. Remember John 17:5, where Jesus prays, “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” This statement demonstrates God glorifying Himself through the Son and that glorification is not from self-promotion but a statement of fact.
A look of realization dawned on Pete’s face. “So, it’s not about self-promotion…”
“Exactly,” Trevor nodded enthusiastically. “It’s about revealing truth and inviting us into a right relationship with our Creator. When God exalts Himself, He’s establishing the proper order of the universe, with Him at the center.”
Pete sat in silence for a moment, turning this new perspective over in his mind. “I never thought about it that way before,” he admitted quietly.
“That’s why we do this, Pete. Every morning, we’re not just reading words on a page. We’re uncovering truths that can transform how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us.”
As the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the dusty dorm room window, Pete felt something shift within him. The words he had read, once a source of confusion, now sparked a desire to understand more, to dig deeper.
“You know,” Pete said, a new determination in his voice, “I think I’m starting to get why this morning routine matters. It’s not just about checking a box or following a rule. It’s about… becoming more like Jesus, isn’t it? Understanding His heart, His perspective.”
Trevor’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Now you’re getting it, Pete. That’s exactly what this is all about.”
As they closed their Bibles and prepared for the day ahead, Pete felt a sense of anticipation he hadn’t experienced before. The journey of understanding God was just beginning, and for the first time, he found himself eager to see where this new found relationship might lead.
When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Watch out!” Jesus cautioned them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and of Herod.” So they began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. They concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”
Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Do you have such hard hearts? ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand. When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Twelve,” they answered. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces did you collect?” “Seven,” they said. How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
My Thoughts
“Keep your head on a swivel!” This is a common admonition of many infantry leaders to their troops going into hostile territory. In other words, “Watch out! Keep looking around for the enemy!” And that’s what Jesus is saying to His men here about the leadership in their country, both religious and secular.
The religious leaders I mentioned in the last post had “lost the bubble” in their spirituality by becoming focused on their own ambitions and success. They were playing a religious game to maintain control of the people and reap the financial benefits. Jesus basically gives His disciples this warning, “Look out! You’re in enemy territory and you could fall into the same trap they had succumbed to. Whatever ambush had waylaid them, could also take you out!”
And it’s interesting in Mark’s rendition, Jesus even includes Herod, a secular leader. So this ambush isn’t just taking out the religious. It’s getting the political leadership as well. And I think if we looked at it closely, we would see the potential danger for ALL leaders.
So what is the sneaky ambush the enemy had used on these leaders to warrant such a warning from the Messiah? What is the “leaven?” Here’s my guess. I’ve seen in the Scriptures and in life that leaders are normally taken out by two things; Power and Greed. Sex, alcohol, drugs, crime and many more things are pretty obvious when it comes to the danger zones for leaders. But power and greed are subtle. They sneak up on you a little at a time… like leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. They are the enemy’s ambush hiding in the bushes.
Let me give you two really prevalent examples;
A ministry leader starts with a humble vision, guiding his Christian organization with a servant’s heart. As his influence grows, so does the taste for power. He relishes the way his words sway the organization and how his decisions shape their lives. Slowly, the thrill of control intoxicates him—staff meetings become battlegrounds, and dissent feels like betrayal. His once-warm counsel turns into commands, his care for souls overshadowed by a need to dominate. Unaware, he trades his calling as a servant for the mantle of fear. The meek man who once knelt in prayer now stands tall, clutching authority like a scepter. His organization, once partners in faith, shrink into subjects under his unyielding grip.
A pastor begins his journey with noble intentions, shepherding a small congregation while earning a modest salary to supplement his part-time job. His heart burns with zeal for the Lord and a genuine love for his flock. Then comes an unexpected call to a larger church, offering a full-time salary that promises stability. He accepts, feeling it’s a divine step forward. Over the years, more calls follow—each to a bigger church, each with a heftier paycheck. He moves from one pulpit to the next, convinced he’s following a higher purpose. Yet, beneath the surface, something shifts. He fails to notice that his fiery devotion to God and his tender care for people are quietly eroding, steadily replaced by an unspoken greed for more money and the comforts it brings. The thrill of a larger salary begins to outweigh the joy of ministry. By the time he’s leading a sprawling congregation, his sermons feel polished but hollow, his prayers more routine than heartfelt. The man who once sought to serve now chases the next raise, blind to how far he’s drifted from the calling that once defined him.
These are just two real-life examples of many I’ve seen over my 45 years in the faith. They are examples of people that did not keep their “head on a swivel.” They did not “watch out.” Sad but true. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and of Herod.”
My Story
I have to admit that there have been times where I didn’t follow Jesus’ advice to “keep my head on a swivel” and watch out for “the leaven of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and of Herod.” One such time when we were restructuring a leadership team. The “Director” asked us what we thought a potential title we should be called and much to my chagrin I said “Directors of XYZ.” It just makes sense right? He was the Director over the whole and we were Directors over the parts.
I have regretted the word “Director” coming out of my mouth ever since. My heart wasn’t right and this was immediately apparent as soon as I took “charge.” I rushed into a problem area like the Master Sergeant I once was in the Army and made the situation even more of a disaster than it already was. You should have heard the “beep, beep, beep” as I threw my leadership in reverse when I realized I had grabbed the tiger by the tail. These people were not going to follow me or change no matter what my title was.
I had let the power go to my head and it was a painful lesson. Fortunately, pain is a great teacher and I have not used that power play since. I have a whole different philosophy of spiritual leadership as a result. If I had to do it over again, when asked what my position should have been called? I would say “Servant of XYZ” not “Director.”
If you want more lessons learned about spiritual leadership, just ask. I’ve got stories coming out of my ears.
Our Action Plan
Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas;
Have you seen or experienced the pull of these two insidious poisons; Power or Greed?
How did you recognize them and what did you do about them?
Do a Bible study on these two ambushes with those you’re discipling.
“Keep your head on a swivel” and beware the leaven of power and greed. This remains a timeless caution for leaders, as these subtle ambushes can quietly corrupt even the most well-intentioned hearts. By staying vigilant and rooted in servanthood, we can avoid the traps that ensnared the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod. Let’s ensure our leadership reflects the humility and purpose of Christ.
¡Gira la cabeza! – #109
¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy analizaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos para escuchar la advertencia de Jesús sobre las emboscadas en las que cayeron los líderes de su época.
¡Comencemos!
Mateo 16:5-12, Marcos 8:14-21
Cuando cruzaron al otro lado, los discípulos olvidaron llevar pan, excepto uno que llevaban en la barca. «¡Cuidado!», les advirtió Jesús. «Cuídense de la levadura de los fariseos, de los saduceos y de Herodes». Así que comenzaron a discutir entre sí sobre la falta de pan. Concluyeron: «Es porque no trajimos pan».
Al tanto de su conversación, Jesús dijo: «Hombres de poca fe, ¿por qué discuten entre ustedes sobre la falta de pan? ¿Aún no entienden? ¿Tienen un corazón tan duro? «Teniendo ojos, ¿no ven? ¿Y teniendo oídos, ¿no oyen?» ¿No recuerdan los cinco panes para los cinco mil? Cuando partí los cinco panes para los cinco mil, ¿cuántas cestas llenas de pedazos recogieron? «Doce», respondieron. Y cuando partí los siete panes para los cuatro mil, ¿cuántas cestas llenas de pedazos recogieron? «Siete», dijeron. «¿Cómo no entienden que no les estaba hablando del pan? Pero cuídense de la levadura de los fariseos y de los saduceos». Entonces comprendieron que no les estaba diciendo que se cuidaran de la levadura del pan, sino de la enseñanza de los fariseos y de los saduceos.
Mis Pensamientos
“¡Manténganse alerta!” Esta es una advertencia común de muchos líderes de infantería a sus tropas al entrar en territorio hostil. En otras palabras: “¡Cuidado! ¡Manténganse alertas por si ven al enemigo!”. Y eso es lo que Jesús les dice a sus hombres aquí sobre el liderazgo en su país, tanto religioso como secular.
Los líderes religiosos que mencioné en la publicación anterior habían perdido la espiritualidad al centrarse en sus propias ambiciones y éxito. Estaban jugando un juego religioso para mantener el control del pueblo y obtener beneficios económicos. Jesús básicamente les advierte a sus discípulos: “¡Cuidado! Están en territorio enemigo y podrían caer en la misma trampa en la que ellos sucumbieron. Cualquier emboscada que los haya acechado, ¡también podría acabar con ustedes!”.
Y es interesante que, en la interpretación de Marcos, Jesús incluso incluya a Herodes, un líder secular. Así que esta emboscada no solo está acabando con los religiosos, sino también con el liderazgo político. Y creo que, si lo analizamos con atención, veremos el peligro potencial para TODOS los líderes. Entonces, ¿cuál es la emboscada furtiva que el enemigo había usado contra estos líderes para justificar tal advertencia del Mesías? ¿Qué es la “levadura”? Mi suposición es esta: he visto en las Escrituras y en la vida que los líderes normalmente son derrotados por dos cosas: el poder y la codicia. El sexo, el alcohol, las drogas, el crimen y muchas otras cosas son bastante obvias cuando se trata de las zonas de peligro para los líderes. Pero el poder y la codicia son sutiles. Te acechan poco a poco… como la levadura leuda toda la masa. Son la emboscada del enemigo escondida entre los arbustos.
Permítanme darles dos ejemplos muy comunes:
Un líder ministerial comienza con una visión humilde, guiando a su organización cristiana con un corazón de siervo. A medida que su influencia crece, también crece su deseo de poder. Disfruta de cómo sus palabras influyen en la organización y cómo sus decisiones moldean sus vidas. Poco a poco, la emoción del control lo embriaga: las reuniones de personal se convierten en campos de batalla y la disidencia se siente como una traición. Sus consejos, antes cálidos, se convierten en órdenes; su preocupación por las almas se ve eclipsada por la necesidad de dominar. Sin darse cuenta, cambia su llamado de siervo por el manto del miedo. El hombre manso que una vez se arrodilló para orar ahora se yergue erguido, aferrándose a la autoridad como a un cetro. Su organización, antes compañera en la fe, se reduce a súbditos bajo su férreo control.
Un pastor comienza su camino con nobles intenciones, pastoreando una pequeña congregación mientras gana un salario modesto para complementar su trabajo de medio tiempo. Su corazón arde de celo por el Señor y un amor genuino por su rebaño. Entonces llega un llamado inesperado a una iglesia más grande, ofreciéndole un salario de tiempo completo que promete estabilidad. Acepta, sintiendo que es un paso divino hacia adelante. Con el paso de los años, siguen más llamados, cada uno a una iglesia más grande, cada uno con un sueldo más cuantioso. Pasa de un púlpito a otro, convencido de que persigue un propósito superior. Sin embargo, bajo la superficie, algo cambia. No se da cuenta de que su ardiente devoción a Dios y su tierno cuidado por los demás se están erosionando silenciosamente, reemplazados constantemente por una codicia tácita de más dinero y las comodidades que este brinda. La emoción de un salario mayor comienza a superar la alegría del ministerio. Para cuando dirige una congregación extensa, sus sermones se sienten pulidos pero vacíos, sus oraciones más rutinarias que sinceras. El hombre que una vez buscó servir ahora persigue el siguiente aumento, ciego a cuánto se ha desviado del llamado que una vez lo definió.
Estos son solo dos ejemplos reales de muchos que he visto en mis 45 años de fe. Son ejemplos de personas que no mantuvieron la cabeza en alto. No se cuidaron. Triste pero cierto. «Cuídense de la levadura de los fariseos, de los saduceos y de Herodes».
Mi Historia
Debo admitir que a veces no seguí el consejo de Jesús de “mantener la cabeza alerta” y cuidarme de “la levadura de los fariseos, saduceos y Herodes”. Una de esas ocasiones, cuando estábamos reestructurando un equipo de liderazgo, el “Director” nos preguntó qué título creíamos que deberíamos llamar y, para mi disgusto, dije “Directores de XYZ”. Tiene sentido, ¿verdad? Él era el Director del todo y nosotros, los Directores de las partes.
Desde entonces, me he arrepentido de haber pronunciado la palabra “Director”. No tenía buen corazón y esto se hizo evidente en cuanto asumí el “cargo”. Me precipité en un área problemática como el Sargento Mayor que una vez fui en el Ejército y agravé la situación. Deberían haber oído el “bip, bip, bip” cuando di marcha atrás en mi liderazgo al darme cuenta de que había agarrado al tigre por la cola. Estas personas no iban a seguirme ni a cambiar, sin importar mi título. Se me había subido el poder a la cabeza y fue una lección dolorosa. Por suerte, el dolor es un gran maestro y no he vuelto a usar ese poder desde entonces. Como resultado, tengo una filosofía de liderazgo espiritual completamente diferente. Si tuviera que volver a empezar, si me preguntaran cómo debería haberse llamado mi puesto, diría “Servidor de XYZ”, no “Director”.
Si quieres aprender más lecciones sobre liderazgo espiritual, solo pregúntame. Tengo historias que me salen de los oídos.
Nuestro Plan de Acción
Ahora es momento de aplicar. Aquí tienes algunas ideas:
¿Has visto o experimentado la atracción de estos dos venenos insidiosos: el poder o la avaricia?
¿Cómo los reconociste y qué hiciste al respecto?
Realiza un estudio bíblico sobre estas dos emboscadas con tus discípulos.
Mantén la cabeza alerta y cuidate de la levadura del poder y la avaricia. Esta es una advertencia intemporal para los líderes, ya que estas sutiles emboscadas pueden corromper silenciosamente incluso los corazones mejor intencionados. Al mantenernos vigilantes y arraigados en el servicio, podemos evitar las trampas que atraparon a los fariseos, saduceos y Herodes. Asegurémonos de que nuestro liderazgo refleje la humildad y el propósito de Cristo.
Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com
The morning sun painted Reynard 3’s sky in shades of amber and rose, casting long shadows across the fertile fields surrounding the base. Wade inhaled deeply, letting the rich scent of damp soil fill his lungs. Around him, the whine of anti-grav engines and the thunderous roar of atmospheric thrusters created a familiar symphony – one that had once filled him with childlike awe. Now, each sound carried a different weight, each vessel overhead a reminder of missions yet to come.
Beside him at the edge of the landing pad, Jay and Metro stood in contemplative silence. The moss beneath their boots released its earthy fragrance with each shift of their weight. Metro’s fingers absently traced the raised scar tissue on his forearm – a permanent reminder of their firefight on Carthis 7. The gesture wasn’t lost on Wade; every mark they carried told a story of survival, of lessons learned in blood and fire.
“Three months,” Metro murmured, his voice barely audible above the ambient hum of the base. “Feels like three lifetimes.” The words hung in the air, heavy with shared memories of lost comrades and near misses.
The barracks welcomed them with the sterile efficiency of military quarters, their gear stowed with the practiced precision that had become second nature. When dawn broke the next day, they found themselves facing a different kind of challenge. Gone were the thundering voices and predatory stares of their previous instructors. This phase of Ranger training carried a deceptive gentility, but Wade knew better – sometimes the deadliest predators wore the most disarming smiles.
Their first test waited below on the practice course: the Badger hovercraft. Its sleek hull caught the alien sunlight like liquid mercury, beautiful and lethal in equal measure. Wade’s pulse quickened at the sight. He’d survived combat drops and close-quarters firefights, yet something about this elegant machine made his mouth go dry. Perhaps it was the way it demanded perfection, offering no margin for the brute force solutions that had sometimes served him in training and combat.
“Sergeant Kovacs.” The instructor’s voice carried the calm assurance of someone who had seen countless recruits face this moment. “Show us what you got.”
The Badger’s cockpit enveloped Wade like a second skin, familiar yet foreign. His fingers found the controls, feeling the subtle vibrations that spoke of barely contained power. No violent shaking like the drop pods, no brutal impact of atmospheric entry – this was a dance of precision, of finesse.
The craft lifted with a whisper, responding to his touch like a living creature. Wade felt sweat bead on his forehead as he guided it forward, the rocky course stretching before him like an obstacle course designed by a sadistic enemy. A massive boulder formation loomed ahead, its jagged surface a challenge he would have once approached with hesitation.
But the Corps had changed him. Where he once saw obstacles, he now saw opportunities. The Badger responded to his subtle adjustments, banking against the natural curve of the rocks. He wasn’t fighting the terrain anymore – he was partnering with it, using the formation’s own geometry to maintain his momentum while bleeding off excess speed.
“Better,” the instructor’s voice crackled through his helmet, carrying a note of approval that meant more than any shouted praise. “But remember, Kovacs – she’s not a weapon to be wielded. She’s a partner in the dance. Let her lead sometimes.”
From their position in the observation stand, Jay and Metro watched with the knowing eyes of men who had shared suffering and success. Metro’s fingers tapped an unconscious rhythm against his leg, his body tensed as if he could feel every adjustment Wade made. They’d seen this side of him before, in moments when split-second decisions meant the difference between life and death. It wasn’t just skill they were watching – it was the quiet confidence of a born leader.
The F2-90 Stellar Scout
The days blurred together as they mastered the Badger, each session building on the last until the craft felt like an extension of their will. Then came the transition to the F2-90 Stellar-Scout simulators. The cockpit welcomed Wade and Jay like an old friend, its neural interface headset settling against their temples with intimate familiarity. This wasn’t just about flying anymore – it was about fusion, about two minds working as one.
“Pilots,” the instructor’s voice carried through the PA system, “you’ve proven you can handle the basics. Now we’ll see if you can dance in the devil’s ballroom. This neutron star field simulation has humbled better crews than yours. Remember – out there, pride kills faster than any enemy.”
The simulation erupted around them in a symphony of light and shadow. Gravimetric warnings screamed across Wade’s console like banshees, but beneath the chaos, he felt something clicking into place. This wasn’t about raw calculations anymore – it was about rhythm, about feeling the ship’s pulse and anticipating Jay’s next move before he made it.
“Gravitational shear spiking,” Jay reported, his voice carrying the same steady calm he’d maintained during their worst circumstances in training and combat. His hands moved across the controls with surgical precision, threading their way between competing gravity wells that could tear their ship apart in seconds. “Need new vectors, Wade.”
Wade’s mind raced through possibilities, combat instincts merging with mathematical precision. Perfect solutions could get you killed – he’d learned that lesson watching better men die while chasing optimal outcomes. “Feeding you new vectors… now.”
The Stellar-Scout responded like a creature born to dance among the stars, riding gravitational currents with ethereal grace. Warning indicators cascaded from danger to safety, but neither man celebrated. They weren’t just surviving anymore – they were transcending.
Hours bled into days, days into weeks, each session building not just skill but understanding. Every simulation reinforced what combat had already taught them: that trust wasn’t just about faith in each other’s abilities, but about reading the microscopic tensions in a shoulder, the subtle shifts in breathing that telegraphed intentions before words could form.
Late one night, reviewing flight logs in his quarters, Wade found himself smiling at a realization. The eager recruit who had first arrived on Rinart 3 would have seen these challenges as hurdles to overcome, tests to pass. Now he understood – they weren’t obstacles at all, but gifts. Each simulation, each flight, was another chance to refine the skills that would keep his team alive when theory gave way to brutal reality.
The familiar terrain of Reynard 3 hadn’t changed, but its meaning had. Every field, every training course, every moment in the cockpit wasn’t just about personal achievement anymore. It was about preparation for the moment when skill and trust would mean the difference between bringing everyone home or adding more names to the memorial wall.
The moment of truth arrived when they finally got to tour an actual F2-90 Stellar Scout. Lieutenant Commander Goering, a veteran Navy Flight Instructor with weather-worn features and sharp eyes, met them at the landing pad where the sleek spacecraft waited.
“Gentlemen,” he said, running a hand along the Scout’s polished hull, “this beauty is going to become your second home. She’s built for deep space exploration and reconnaissance – the kind where you might not see another human face for months.”
Wade watched Jay’s eyes light up as they approached the vessel. The morning sun caught the Scout’s aerodynamic curves, highlighting its military precision while hinting at something more elegant.
Goering led them to a recessed panel in the hull. With a practiced gesture, he pressed his palm against the access pad, and a section of the hull smoothly retracted, revealing a compact lift system. “Primary access point,” he explained as they stepped inside. “Gets you directly to the main deck. There’s emergency access hatches too, but this is your day-to-day entry.”
The lift hummed softly as it carried them upward, depositing them just aft of the Central Command Station. “CCS is your nerve center,” Goering said, stepping into the cockpit. “Two-person crew configuration – pilot and nav/comms. Everything within arm’s reach, no wasted motion.”
“Twin VTOL engines,” he continued, gesturing to the holographic displays. “She’ll lift off and land smooth as silk on just about any terrain you can imagine. Those retractable landing struts aren’t just for show – they’ll adapt to everything from crystalline ice fields to volcanic rock.”
Moving aft, he opened a sealed compartment. “And here’s something you’ll want to get familiar with – stasis pods. Latest generation cryo-sleep systems. For those extra-long hauls where even Rangers need to conserve resources. Four pods, medical-grade monitoring systems. They’ll keep you fresh for the deep space legs of your mission.”
“Armament seems light,” Wade observed, noting the modest weapon systems on a nearby display.
Goering nodded. “She’s not built for slugging it out with hostiles. But don’t let that fool you – she’s got enough teeth to get you out of a pinch. Remember, your job is to observe and report, not pick fights.”
“What about communications range?” Jay asked, his technical curiosity evident.
Goering smiled. “Thought you’d ask. State-of-the-art microwave antenna array and military-grade encryption suite. You could probably call home from the edge of known space – assuming Command lets you.”
They explored the galley and common area, where clever storage solutions and transforming furniture showed the Scout’s dual nature as both military vessel and exploration craft. “Every cubic centimeter serves a purpose,” Goering explained. “Take the crew quarters – six individual berths, but they don’t feel cramped. The designers knew Rangers spend months out there. Had to make it livable.”
A narrow stairwell led them to the lower deck, where the lab and specimen storage spaces waited. “This is where the real science happens,” Goering said, gesturing to the advanced analysis equipment. “You’re not just Marines out there – you’re explorers.”
At last, they reached the rear cargo bay. Goering touched another control panel, and the massive rear ramp began to lower, hydraulics humming smoothly. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating a rugged Badger secured in its berth. “And here’s your ground transport,” he said, patting the vehicle. “Because sometimes the only way to explore is to get your boots dirty.”
Standing at the base of the ramp, looking back at the Scout, Wade felt a new appreciation for the vessel. Goering’s voice carried the weight of experience as he concluded, “The F2-90 isn’t the biggest or most powerful ship in the fleet. But for what you Rangers do – pushing the boundaries of known space, facing the unknown – there’s nothing better. Treat her right, and she’ll bring you home.”
Their transition from simulators to the actual F2-90 Stellar-Scout proved smoother than even their instructors anticipated. The countless hours spent in virtual training had built muscle memory that translated seamlessly to the real craft. Where most trainees required six weeks to achieve basic proficiency, Wade and Jay demonstrated advanced maneuvering capabilities in just three. Their natural synchronization in the cockpit drew attention from the senior instructors, who began using their flight recordings as teaching materials for other crews. The duo’s ability to anticipate each other’s actions and maintain perfect coordination during complex maneuvers spoke to something beyond mere technical skill – it was the kind of intuitive trust that couldn’t be taught, only earned through shared experiences both in combat and training.
The familiar had indeed become new again, transformed not by time or circumstance, but by the weight of purpose that now infused every action, every decision, every breath.
Romance and Revelations
The barracks’ overhead lights had dimmed to their night-cycle setting, casting long shadows across the titanium-alloy floor panels. Wade’s boots barely made a sound as he returned from his evening maintenance shift, mind still churning over the day’s training flights. He stopped short at the familiar cadence of a voice – soft, melodic, Japanese accent distinctly out of place in the utilitarian surroundings.
“I can’t say I miss all that adventure but I sure miss you,” Mayumi’s holographic message flickered in the dim light. “I even miss your terrible jokes.”
Wade froze, suddenly feeling like an intruder. Through the half-open door, he caught a glimpse of Jay sitting on his bunk, head bowed toward the projection, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth that Wade had never seen before. It wasn’t the practiced grin Jay wore during training or the fierce determination that emerged in combat – this was something entirely different, something private.
“I keep asking Commander Chen when our security status is going to be downgraded and I would be up for reassignment,” Mayumi continued, her translucent image seeming to glow with warmth. “She told me there’s no telling when, but…” She paused, her expression softening. “Just make sure you stay in one piece, okay? The stars aren’t quite as beautiful without you here to name all the constellations wrong.”
Wade backed away silently, his mind racing through calculations of a different sort. How long had this been going on? The Jay he knew from training was all precision and protocol – seeing this other side of him was like discovering a new dimension to a familiar star chart.
His thoughts shifted to Kristen. Could she still be waiting for him? Is there any possible way she saw through the ruse of him being dead? He had to believe that the promises they made to one another as they trusted God for their relationship had to be his resting place. He reminded himself; “Always.”
Hours later, in the quiet corner of the station’s observation deck, Wade found Jay staring out at Rinart 3’s three moons. The aurora painted sheets of green and purple across the star studded sky.
“So,” Wade said, settling against the railing. “You and Mayumi?”
Jay’s shoulders tensed for a moment before relaxing. He turned, and in the shifting light from the aurora, Wade could see both embarrassment and pride warring on his friend’s face. “After what you told me about her reassignment in the Delphi Quadrant, I tracked her down and sent her a message. Just to check in, you know? I know I shouldn’t be trying to connect with the security risk and all, but then…”
“One message became two, became twenty?” Wade finished, remembering his own fumbling attempts at trying to pace himself when he was dating Kristen, trying not to seem too obsessed.
“Something like that.” Jay’s fingers traced the handrail as he leaned toward the stars. “She understands things – not just the quantum mechanics she works with, but…” he struggled for words, unusual for someone so precise in the cockpit. “She gets what it means to be out here, on the edge of everything. To love the void as much as you fear it. And Wade, her relationship with Jesus has grown leaps and bounds. It’s very…attractive.”
Wade nodded, letting the silence stretch comfortably between them. He thought about their shared history – the terror of the Skravak ship, the grueling training that followed, sharing the gospel and leading her to Christ, the way life had carried them all in unexpected directions. Yet here they were, still finding new ways to surprise each other.
“You know what’s funny?” Jay said finally, his reflection overlapping with the stars beyond. “All our training, all the simulation hours, everything we’ve survived in combat… and sending that first message to her was still the scariest thing I’ve done since enlisting.”
Wade clapped his friend’s shoulder, feeling the familiar weight of their shared experiences and this new dimension of their friendship. “Well, for what it’s worth, now I know why your landing approaches have been a little off lately. Maybe you’re a little twitterpated?”
Jay’s laugh echoed into the darkness, genuine and unguarded. “Don’t you worry bro. Even twitterpated, I’m a better pilot than you.” Playfully punching Wade in the chest.
Jay’s expression turned serious. ‘Have you tried to contact Kristen at all? Since… you know.’
Wade’s shoulders slumped. ‘You know I can’t, Jay. Not with everything that’s happened. The security protocols are there for a reason.’
‘But surely there’s some way—’ Jay started.
‘No,’ Wade cut him off firmly, though his voice carried a weight of sadness. ‘I won’t put her at risk. Not even a chance of it. The conspiracy we uncovered… it runs deep. Until everything’s fully exposed and dealt with, contacting her would be selfish.’
Jay studied his friend’s face. ‘You really love her, don’t you?’
‘Yeah,’ Wade admitted quietly, flexing his prosthetic hand. ‘That’s why I have to protect her, even if it means staying away. But I haven’t lost hope. I’m trusting God’s timing on this one.’
‘Well,’ Jay said, bumping Wade’s shoulder with his own, ‘then I’ll keep praying. This isn’t the end of the story.'”
As they stood there, watching Rinart 3’s moons slowly set beneath the horizon, Wade realized that some of the most important discoveries in space weren’t made on distant planets among the stars. They happened in these quiet moments, when the Holy Spirit reminded you that even in the vastness of space, the human heart could still chart unexpected courses.
Exploration Training
The holographic alien landscape shimmered around them, so detailed that Wade could smell what seemed like rotting vegetation. The simulation had rendered a jungle world with triple-gravity and a toxic atmosphere – exactly the kind of environment Rangers were expected to handle. Sweat trickled down his spine inside the environment suit, each movement requiring conscious effort against the crushing gravitational pull.
“Contact, two o’clock,” Jay’s voice crackled through the comm, steady despite the strain. “Biological signature. Nothing in the database matches.”
Wade’s heads-up display highlighted the movement – something serpentine sliding through the phosphorescent underbrush. Their squad had already lost two holographic members to similar unknowns. The simulation was brutally effective at teaching survival priorities: analyze, adapt, or die.
“Hold position,” Wade commanded, forcing his breathing to steady as he activated his suit’s biological analysis suite. The crushing gravity made even the smallest movements exhaust precious oxygen reserves. “Running spectral analysis.”
The creature emerged into the clearing – a writhing mass of tentacles and what appeared to be photoreceptors. Wade’s scanner beeped a warning: highly acidic secretions detected. He remembered their xenobiology instructor’s words: “Out there, everything wants to kill you. Your job is to figure out how…before it succeeds.”
“Pattern analysis suggests predatory behavior,” Metro reported from his position, the words coming in short bursts as he fought against the gravity. “Similar to the Skravak Sliders we studied from the Cygnus sector.”
Jay had already adjusted his position, using the terrain to create a crossfire zone. Three months ago, he would have just opened fire. Now, he waited, gathering data. Rangers weren’t just Marines; they were explorers, scientists, and when necessary, executioners of hostile life forms.
“Acid-based neurotoxin from the twin venom glands nestled beneath its iridescent carapace, it projects with laser-like precision.” Wade announced on the comms, watching the creature’s movements through his scope. “Similar to the Skravak’s secondary defense tactics. Metro, remember the countermeasures we developed during our last dance at the Zoo?”
“Already on it.” Metro’s suit dispensed a stream of base chemicals, creating a protective barrier around their position. The training scenarios weren’t random – they built upon real experiences, forcing the Rangers to apply past lessons to new threats.
The creature lunged, faster than its mass suggested possible. Wade’s squad responded with surgical persision, their movements economic in the crushing gravity. Their coordinated response wasn’t just about survival – it was about data collection, threat assessment, and preservation of valuable xenobiological samples.
“Clear,” Jay called out as the holographic creature dissipated. “But we’ve got atmospheric degradation incoming. Looks like this planet’s sun is about to go nova.”
Wade checked his suit’s readings. They had seventeen minutes of oxygen remaining, a damaged sample collection unit, and five kilometers of hostile terrain between them and their extraction point. In other words, a typical day in Ranger training.
“Status check,” he ordered, already calculating their optimal route.
“Suit integrity at sixty percent,” Metro reported. “But I saved the biological samples.”
“Nav system’s glitching from magnetic interference,” Jay added. “Going to have to do this old school.”
Wade allowed himself a grim smile behind his faceplate. Three months ago, this scenario would have seemed impossible. Now it was just another challenge to overcome. “Metro, take center with the samples. Jay, take point and plot us a course using stellar positioning. I’ll watch our six.”
As they moved through the hostile landscape, Wade reflected on how far they’d come. Flight school had taught them to master their vessels, but exploration training was teaching them to master themselves. Every challenge forced them to combine their skills in new ways – Jay’s intuitive grasp of spatial navigation, Metro’s encyclopedic knowledge of xenobiology, Wade’s tactical expertise.
The extraction ship appeared as a distant speck in the purple sky, a testament to their successful navigation. As the simulation faded around them, Wade caught Jay’s eye. They didn’t need words to express their shared understanding: this wasn’t just training anymore. This was preparation for a future where humanity would need every skill they were learning, and probably a few they hadn’t imagined yet.
The instructors had a saying: “In space, you improvise, adapt, and overcome or… you die. Rangers are masters of the first three.” With each passing day, Wade understood that philosophy more deeply. They were trained to the hilt and ready to graduate. They had passed the most extreme military gauntlet the Confederation had to offer. They were qualified Deep Space Rangers.
The concept of “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession” from Psalm 2:8 presents a profound theological insight into the nature of God’s kingdom and the role of the Messiah. This verse is part of a larger context in Psalm 2:1-12, which depicts the rebellion of earthly rulers against God and His anointed king.
Linguistic Roots: Understanding the Hebrew Term for Nations
The Hebrew word for “nations” in this passage is “גּוֹיִם” (goyim, Strong’s H1471), which typically refers to Gentile nations or peoples distinct from Israel. Etymologically, it comes from the same root as “גֵּוָה” (gevah), meaning “body” or “corpse,” suggesting a collective body of people. In the context of Psalm 2, these nations are portrayed as rebelling against God’s authority.
Jesus: The Perfect Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy
Jesus, as the perfect fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy, exemplifies the inheritance of the nations. His global mission and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) directly correlate with this concept of possessing the nations. Christ’s kingship extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18).
Theological Significance: Divine Sovereignty and Universal Kingship
The concept of inheriting the nations reveals several key aspects of God’s nature and plan:
1. Divine Sovereignty: God has ultimate authority over all nations and can distribute them as He wills.
2. Universal Kingship: The Messiah’s rule is not limited to Israel but extends to the ends of the earth.
3. Redemptive Purpose: God’s plan includes bringing all nations under His loving rule, not just a select few.
Christological Fulfillment: Christ’s Global Reign
Jesus embodies this concept in several ways:
1. He claims all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
2. His kingdom is described as eternal and universal (Daniel 7:13-14).
3. The book of Revelation depicts people from every nation worshipping Him (Revelation 7:9).
Implications for Believers: A Global Kingdom Perspective
This concept transforms our understanding of mission and the Church’s role:
1. It motivates global evangelism and discipleship.
2. It encourages a multicultural, inclusive view of God’s kingdom.
3. It provides hope for the ultimate triumph of God’s rule over all earthly powers.
The Expansive Nature of God’s Kingdom
The concept of inheriting the nations in Psalm 2:8 powerfully illustrates the expansive nature of God’s kingdom and Christ’s role as the universal king. It challenges believers to participate in God’s global mission, recognizing that Jesus’ lordship extends to every corner of the earth. This promise, fulfilled in Christ, assures us of the eventual complete realization of God’s reign over all creation.
Disciple-Maker’s Short Story
A Heart for the Nations
The warm glow of table lamps cast gentle shadows across Sarah and Mark’s living room as their dinner guests, Andrew and Tessa Mitchell, settled into the overstuffed couch. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the lingering scents of their shared meal, creating an atmosphere of comfortable intimacy. At seventy-two, Andrew’s silver hair caught the lamplight, while Tessa’s kind eyes sparkled with the vitality of remembered youth.
“You mentioned during dinner that you’re interested in missions work,” Andrew began, his weathered hands cupped around a steaming mug. “Would you like to hear how God led us to Japan?”
Sarah leaned forward eagerly, her young face alight with curiosity. “Please. We’ve been praying about missions ourselves, haven’t we, Mark?”
Mark nodded, pulling his chair closer. “We’d love to hear your story.”
Tessa exchanged a knowing glance with her husband. “It’s remarkable how God works,” she said, her voice soft with wonder even after all these years. “We were about your age when it all began. Both of us had grown up in the church, but something changed when we started really diving into Scripture and reading about missionaries like Hudson Taylor and Jim Elliot.”
“It wasn’t just reading about their lives,” Andrew added, leaning forward. “It was seeing Christ in them – how they embodied His words: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ Their stories showed us what it meant to truly follow Jesus, to take up our cross daily.”
“But the real turning point,” Tessa continued, “came during what we thought was just an ordinary spring morning in 1993. I had been reading my Bible before breakfast, and something in Psalm 2 stopped me in my tracks.”
Andrew’s eyes lit up. “Verse 8,” he said, and Tessa nodded, smiling.
“‘Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession,'” they quoted together, causing Sarah and Mark to exchange surprised looks.
“We didn’t know it then,” Andrew explained, “but God had led us both to the same verse that morning. Later that day, we went for a walk in the park, each of us nervous about sharing what we felt God was calling us to do.”
Tessa reached for Andrew’s hand. “I remember standing by the duck pond, my heart pounding. I finally gathered the courage to tell Andrew about the verse and my growing conviction about missions. Before I could finish, he pulled out his Bible and showed me where he’d underlined the very same words that morning.”
“We just stood there,” Andrew chuckled, “staring at each other in amazement. It was like God was saying, ‘Yes, this is the path I have for you.'”
“But why Japan?” Mark asked, his expression thoughtful.
Andrew’s face grew serious. “We spent months praying and researching different countries. Then we learned that despite being one of the most developed nations in the world, less than 1% of Japan’s population knew Christ. We couldn’t shake the feeling that God was directing us there.”
“It wasn’t easy,” Tessa admitted. “We had to learn a completely different language, adapt to a new culture. There were times when we felt overwhelmed, inadequate. But in those moments, we’d remember Christ’s words about taking up our cross, about becoming servants just as He became a servant.”
She paused, her expression softening. “Of course, God had different plans for how our service would unfold. After ten years in Japan, health challenges forced us to return to the States. I developed severe rheumatoid arthritis, and Andrew had some heart issues that required consistent medical care.”
“But God wasn’t finished with our ministry,” Andrew interjected, his eyes bright. “We became what they call Non-Resident Missionaries – NRMs. For the past twenty years, we’ve been making regular trips back to Japan, staying connected through video calls, and mentoring leaders we’d trained over the years.”
“Sometimes,” Tessa added, “what seems like an obstacle becomes God’s way of expanding your ministry. We’ve actually been able to support more churches and leaders as NRMs than we could when we were stationed in one location. Technology has been such a blessing – we can participate in Bible studies, counsel young couples, and even attend important church events virtually.”
“The beautiful thing about following Jesus,” Andrew reflected, “is that He doesn’t call us to be successful by the world’s standards. He calls us to be faithful. Looking back over thirty years of ministry, we see how God used our simple obedience – and even our limitations – to touch lives in ways we never could have imagined.”
Sarah wiped away a tear. “How did you maintain your commitment for so long, especially after having to leave?”
“By keeping our eyes on Jesus,” Tessa answered simply. “We wanted to be like Him – to love as He loved, to serve as He served. Every morning, we’d remind ourselves that we were there to demonstrate His heart for the nations, whether in person or from afar.”
“And now,” Andrew concluded, his voice thick with emotion, “sitting here with you young couples, seeing that same fire in your eyes that we had… it reminds us that God’s work continues. The torch passes from generation to generation, each playing their part in God’s grand mission to draw all nations to Himself. Sometimes the path looks different than we expect, but His purposes never fail.”
The room fell silent for a moment, heavy with the weight of possibility. Through the window, the last rays of sunset painted the sky in hues of promise, much like the dawn that had broken over Andrew and Tessa’s lives so many years ago.
Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and began to argue with Jesus and test Him by demanding Him to show them a sign from heaven. Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them, got back into the boat, and crossed to the other side.
My Thoughts
Jesus took a lot of heat from the religious leaders of the day. They were constantly bringing accusations and badgering Him for signs that would give them clear authentication that He had authority to do and say the things He did and said. These attacks started pretty early in Jesus’ ministry. But why? Why so much hate for a simple carpenter turned rabbi with a following of common people?
Here’s some of the things we pick up from the Scriptures about these religious leaders;
They were jealous (John 7:48-49).
They were envious (Matthew 27:18, Mark 15:10)
He was a threat to their authority (John 7:48-49).
He violated their traditions (Matthew 15:1-9).
He caused Sabbath controversies (John 5:18).
He claimed divine Sonship (John 5:18).
He performed miracles (John 11:53, John 12:10-11).
They were suppressing the truth (Romans 1:18).
He called out their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-36).
They did not understand the Scriptures (1 Peter 2:7, Matthew 21:42, John 5:39).
They feared losing their position (John 11:48).
He associated with sinners (Matthew 9:11).
They thought He was in league with Satan (Matthew 12:24).
That’s quite the list! As a disciple-maker have you ever met resistance like any mentioned above? And here’s the real kicker. Have you ever caused harm to a brother or sister with the kind of weapons mentioned above?
When we read the accounts of Jesus and His disciples in the New Testament, it always seems like it’s the “religious” that are doing the most harm. It’s almost like you need to fear the “insiders” more than the “outsiders.” Jesus gave ample warning, “If they persecute Me, they will persecute you.” (Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:12, John 15:20). But in our zeal we need to be careful that we are not the ones doing the persecuting.
As we used to say in the Army, “Friendly fire ain’t so friendly.”
My Story
Continuing with this line of thinking, I can also say “Social media ain’t so social.” I am shocked how “Christian” people feel the freedom to spew anger, hate, and bitterness. And over the smallest issues. Instead of dialog, we’ve chosen to judge the whole person’s character by “sound bites.” I’ve been the recipient of such harsh criticism for doing church in a home. Really? Are we going to go to war with a brother over that?
Now to be sure there are some things on social media that are way out there and some down right heresy. But does that give us the freedom to load both verbal barrels and open fire? I see a lot of that when we should seek to understand first, lovingly correct in private second, and try to bring people back to central truths by pointing them to the Bible.
I don’t want to fall into the trap of being angry at angry people. But I just see so much anger out there that something needs to be said. Let’s talk, discuss, dialogue and try to bring the truth in love as the first move instead of being uncharitable, spiteful, or even cruel.
Look back at your social media posts. Were you mean spirited in any of them? Do you need to apologize?
Look at the posts of those you are discipling. Is correction needed?
War game with those you are discipling “how to correct someone in love.”
As followers of Jesus, let’s ensure our actions and words reflect His love whether online or in person. Let’s strive to speak the truth in love, seek understanding first, and avoid becoming the very source of harm we aim to stand against, remembering that our ultimate goal is to glorify God by becoming like His Son.
Detractores de la religión – #108
¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy analizaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos para ver cómo respondió Jesús a los detractores de la religión.
Comencemos.
Mateo 16:1-4, Marcos 8:11-13
Entonces los fariseos y los saduceos vinieron y comenzaron a discutir con Jesús y a tentarlo, exigiéndole que les mostrara una señal del cielo. Jesús suspiró profundamente y dijo: “¿Por qué esta generación pide una señal? Al anochecer, dicen: ‘Buen tiempo habrá, porque el cielo está rojo’, y por la mañana: ‘Hoy habrá tormenta, porque el cielo está rojo y nublado’. Saben interpretar el aspecto del cielo, pero no las señales de los tiempos. Una generación malvada y adúltera pide una señal. De cierto les digo que a esta generación no se le dará otra señal que la de Jonás”. Y los dejó, volvió a la barca y cruzó a la otra orilla.
Mis Pensamientos
Jesús recibió muchas críticas de los líderes religiosos de la época. Constantemente lo acusaban y lo acosaban para que les diera señales que les confirmaran claramente que tenía autoridad para hacer y decir lo que hacía y decía. Estos ataques comenzaron bastante temprano en el ministerio de Jesús. Pero ¿por qué? ¿Por qué tanto odio hacia un simple carpintero convertido en rabino con un grupo de seguidores de la gente común?
Aquí hay algunas cosas que aprendemos de las Escrituras sobre estos líderes religiosos:
Tenían celos (Juan 7:48-49).
Tenían envidia (Mateo 27:18; Marcos 15:10).
Él era una amenaza para su autoridad (Juan 7:48-49).
Violaba sus tradiciones (Mateo 15:1-9).
Provocaba controversias sobre el sábado (Juan 5:18).
Afirmaba ser hijo divino (Juan 5:18). Obró milagros (Juan 11:53, Juan 12:10-11).
Estaban suprimiendo la verdad (Romanos 1:18).
Denunció su hipocresía (Mateo 23:13-36).
No entendían las Escrituras (1 Pedro 2:7, Mateo 21:42, Juan 5:39).
Temían perder su posición (Juan 11:48).
Se relacionó con pecadores (Mateo 9:11).
Pensaron que estaba aliado con Satanás (Mateo 12:24).
¡Menuda lista! Como hacedor de discípulos, ¿alguna vez te has encontrado con resistencia como las mencionadas anteriormente? Y aquí está la clave: ¿alguna vez has causado daño a un hermano o hermana con las armas mencionadas? Cuando leemos los relatos de Jesús y sus discípulos en el Nuevo Testamento, siempre parece que son los religiosos los que más daño causan. Es casi como si debiéramos temer más a los de adentro que a los de afuera. Jesús dio una amplia advertencia: «Si me persiguen a mí, os perseguirán a vosotros» (Mateo 10:22; Lucas 21:12; Juan 15:20). Pero en nuestro celo, debemos tener cuidado de no ser nosotros quienes persigamos.
Como solíamos decir en el ejército: «El fuego amigo no es tan amigo».
Mi Historia
Siguiendo con esta línea de pensamiento, también puedo decir: “Las redes sociales no son tan sociales”. Me sorprende cómo los cristianos se sienten libres de expresar ira, odio y amargura, incluso por los problemas más pequeños. En lugar de dialogar, hemos optado por juzgar el carácter integral de la persona por frases breves. He recibido duras críticas por tener la iglesia en casa. ¿En serio? ¿Vamos a entrar en guerra con un hermano por eso?
Claro que hay cosas en las redes sociales que son muy raras y otras que son una auténtica herejía. Pero ¿nos da eso la libertad de usar la palabra y abrir fuego? Veo mucho de eso cuando deberíamos buscar primero comprender, luego corregir con amor en privado y tratar de que la gente vuelva a las verdades fundamentales guiándoles hacia la Biblia.
No quiero caer en la trampa de enojarme con la gente enojada. Pero veo tanta ira que es necesario decir algo. Hablemos, discutamos, dialoguemos y tratemos de llevar la verdad en el amor como primer paso en lugar de ser poco caritativos, rencorosos o incluso crueles.
Nuestro Plan de Acción
Ahora es momento de aplicar. Aquí tienes algunas ideas:
Revisa tus publicaciones en redes sociales. ¿Fuiste cruel en alguna? ¿Necesitas disculparte?
Mira las publicaciones de quienes estás discipulando. ¿Es necesaria la corrección?
Entrena a quienes estás discipulando: “¿Cómo corregir a alguien con amor?”.
Como seguidores de Jesús, asegurémonos de que nuestras acciones y palabras reflejen su amor, ya sea en línea o en persona. Esforcémonos por hablar la verdad con amor, busquemos primero la comprensión y evitemos convertirnos en la causa del daño que buscamos combatir, recordando que nuestro objetivo final es glorificar a Dios siendo como su Hijo.
Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com
Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life. I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Psalm 69:1-3
The Swamps
A bitter wind whipped across the Florida swamps as Wade, Jay, and Metro inserted into their dropzone. The frigid air caught them off guard – this wasn’t the balmy weather they’d expected from the panhandle. Their boots sank into the dark water, each step releasing bubbles of swamp gas that carried the scent of decay. As they began their five-day platoon operation, the cold crept beneath their wet uniforms, numbing fingers and clouding thoughts. The weight of their rucksacks seemed to increase with every passing hour, the straps digging into shoulders already raw from weeks of constant wear.
Wade and Jay found their rhythm quickly, their mountain phase experience serving them well. The endless hours spent navigating steep terrain had taught them to read the land, to find the path of least resistance even in this alien environment. They passed their patrols in the first two days, demonstrating the leadership and tactical prowess that had carried them this far. Each successful mission brought them closer to the tab they’d fought so hard to earn, their movements growing more confident with each passing hour.
Metro watched his friends lead, studying their techniques, waiting for his own chance to prove himself. He made mental notes of how Wade handled his troops, how Jay managed the tactical challenges that arose. The swamp seemed to resist their every move, but Metro remained determined, pushing through the discomfort with gritted teeth and steely resolve.
On the third day, the swamp seemed to come alive with malice. The water had turned to ice in their canteens, and the wind cut through their wet uniforms like razor blades. Each step brought a new challenge – hidden roots that threatened to snap ankles, sucking mud that tried to claim boots, the bone-deep chill that refused to relent. The platoon moved in silence, save for the occasional splash or muffled curse as someone lost their footing.
Hypothermia
Metro’s movements grew sluggish, his normally sharp eyes taking on a glazed look. Wade noticed first, seeing how his Ranger Buddy’s steps had become uncertain, how his responses to simple commands had slowed. Before he could intervene, Metro crumpled into the murky water, his body temperature plummeting to dangerous levels. The speed of his collapse shocked everyone – one moment he was trudging along with the rest of them, the next he was face-down in the swamp, his rifle half-submerged beside him.
“Medevac! Now!” Sergeant Hunt’s command cut through the swamp’s oppressive silence. His voice carried the weight of urgent authority, spurring the platoon into immediate action. As one of the students radioed for evacuation, Wade and Jay huddled around their fallen friend, their hearts pounding with fear they couldn’t afford to show. The rest of the platoon established a defensive perimeter, their training taking over despite their concern for their fellow Ranger.
Wade and Jay placed their hands on Metro’s shoulders and bowed their heads in prayer, just as they had during the mountain phase. Their whispered words seemed to carry through the chaos of the emergency response, a quiet counterpoint to the urgent radio traffic and Hunt’s rapid-fire orders. The cold seemed to intensify around them, as if the swamp itself was trying to claim Metro for its own.
Miraculous Healing
Then, like a scene from a revival tent, Metro’s eyes fluttered open. Color flooded back into his pale cheeks, starting as a faint pink and deepening to healthy warmth. He sat up, looking dazed but alert – a transformation so sudden it left even the hardened Sergeant Hunt speechless. The change defied medical explanation, but none could deny what they’d witnessed. Despite Metro’s miraculous recovery, Hunt insisted on protocol: “Still getting you checked out, Ranger. No exceptions out here.”
The platoon watched as Metro was evacuated, their faces showing a mixture of relief and lingering concern. Hunt used the moment as a teaching opportunity, gathering the Rangers for a quick class on cold weather injuries and the importance of buddy checks. The lesson was hardly necessary – seeing one of their own go down had driven the point home more effectively than any instruction could have.
At the infirmary, the Physician Assistant ran every test available, his confusion growing with each normal result. There was no trace of the hypothermia that should have put Metro in serious danger, no indication of the severe exposure that everyone had witnessed. The medical staff exchanged puzzled looks as they reviewed the results, unable to explain the rapid recovery.
When he rejoined Wade and Jay, Metro’s familiar grin had returned, though it couldn’t quite hide the lingering fatigue in his eyes. “Should’ve asked for half a healing,” he quipped, adjusting his gear. “A warm hospital bed wouldn’t have been so bad.” The joke broke the tension, drawing tired laughs from his friends, but they all knew how close they’d come to losing one of their own to the merciless swamp.
Communion in the Chaos
Back at Camp Rudder, the brief respite between operations drew the Rangers to an unexpected source of comfort – the chaplain’s service. The gathering was a stark portrait of Ranger School’s toll: gaunt faces, hollow eyes, bodies pushed far beyond normal limits. These were no longer the cocky Marines who’d started the course; exhaustion and challenge had stripped away all pretense, leaving only the raw essence of who they were.
The chapel itself was little more than a cleared space with folding chairs, but it felt like sanctuary to the weary Rangers. Many dozed off during the service, their bodies taking advantage of any chance to rest, but Wade and Jay remained alert, their recent experience with Metro still fresh in their minds. The chaplain moved among them as he spoke, his voice carrying to every corner of the room, speaking of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness.
He drew parallels to their own trials, speaking of hunger, exhaustion, and temptation. His words about using faith as a weapon against adversity resonated deeply with the assembled Rangers, at least the ones who were still awake. Each of them had faced their own demons during the course – moments of doubt, anger, and despair that tested not just their bodies but their spirits.
When communion came, the visual struck them all – their blackened, bleeding hands reaching for pure white wafers, dipping them in blood-red wine. The metaphor wasn’t subtle: purity meeting wretchedness, sacrifice meeting need. The Rangers moved forward one by one, each lost in their own thoughts, their own prayers. Some had tears in their eyes, though whether from exhaustion or emotion, none could say.
Droning Out
The final operation loomed before them – an 18-kilometer movement to assault an objective. Wade carried a secret: Sergeant Hunt had pulled him aside earlier, hinting at possible Distinguished Honor Graduate selection. This patrol would decide it, would determine if Wade had truly distinguished himself among his peers. But Wade kept quiet when his friends asked, deflecting with vague assurances about Hunt’s support for them all. The weight of potential honor sat uneasily on his shoulders, adding to the burden of leadership he already carried.
The march tested them in ways that made previous challenges seem mild in comparison. The cold returned with a vengeance, turning their uniforms into frozen shells that cracked with every movement. Exhaustion, hunger, and relentless terrain conspired to strip away coherent thought. Wade found himself leading his platoon in circles, lost in a hypothermic haze, until a Ranger Instructor had to take control. The night became a blur of stumbling steps and mumbled commands, each Ranger pushing forward on nothing but stubborn will and ingrained training.
The raid that followed was a lesson in humility. Confusion reigned as sleep-deprived Rangers struggled to maintain tactical coherence. Communications broke down, positions were missed, and friendly fire incidents peppered the operation. Their opponent, comprised of well-rested instructors, exploited every mistake with professional efficiency. What should have been a coordinated assault devolved into a series of disjointed actions, each team struggling to accomplish their part of the mission without clear understanding of the overall situation.
In the harsh debrief that followed, Wade knew his shot at Distinguished Honor Graduate had evaporated like morning mist over the swamp. But as he stood with Jay and Metro, listening to the instructors outline their failures, he felt something stronger than disappointment: brotherhood forged in shared struggle, hardened by common trial. The instructors’ words were sharp, but their eyes held understanding – they had all been where these Rangers were, had all faced the moment when exhaustion overcame training.
The Florida Phase had tested them in ways they never expected, forcing them to confront not just physical limitations, but the deeper questions of faith, leadership, and resilience. As they prepared for their final evaluation at the Zoo, they carried with them lessons learned in prayer and pain, in failure and friendship. The swamp had tried to break them, had nearly succeeded more than once, but they had emerged stronger, more humble, and more united than ever before.
Back to the Zoo
The transport that would carry them to their final challenge waited on the landing pad, its engines humming with promise and threat. As they boarded, each Ranger carried not just their physical gear, but the weight of experience earned in the merciless Florida swamps. They had learned that sometimes victory meant simply enduring, that leadership often meant admitting weakness, and that faith could manifest in ways that defied explanation. These were lessons that would serve them well in the challenges ahead, both at the Zoo and in the wider war that awaited them.
The interplanetary transport carved through the void of space, its hull vibrating with the nervous energy of its passengers. They would spend three days of recovery at Ramsey Station – days filled with hot meals and actual beds and then the Ranger students faced their final crucible: a platoon-sized live fire exercise in the heart of Carthis 7’s notorious “Zoo.” The name itself carried weight, spoken in whispers by veterans who’d survived its horrors.
Wade stood at rigid parade rest on the observation deck, his reflection ghostlike in the reinforced viewport. Below, Carthis 7 grew from a distant orb to a scarred monster of a world. Its surface told stories of endless conflict – impact craters from orbital bombardments, the twisted wreckage of alien war machines, and the ever-shifting ruins of what had once been thriving colonies. Beside him, Jay maintained his characteristic stoic demeanor, but Wade noticed the subtle tells of tension: the slight clench of his jaw, the tightening around his eyes, the way his fingers occasionally brushed the grip of his rifle.
The ship’s internal atmosphere recyclers hummed a constant backdrop to scattered conversations – each Ranger sharing Zoo stories with each other, tactical officers reviewing mission parameters, medical staff checking emergency protocols. The air felt thick with anticipation and barely contained fear.
“Gear up, ladies and gentlemen,” Sergeant Major Vickers’ command cut through the murmur like a plasma round through armor. “We touch down in five.” His voice carried the weight of experience – he’d survived the Zoo more times than most of the instructors combined. The cargo bay transformed into organized chaos as Rangers donned their cutting-edge combat armor, each piece a testament to humanity’s determination to survive in this hostile universe.
Metro worked with methodical precision at his communications gear, his new role as Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) demanding nothing less than perfection. He triple-checked every frequency, every backup system, every emergency protocol. In the Zoo, a failed comm link could mean more than mission failure – it could mean wholesale slaughter. The responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders, but his hands remained steady as they danced across the control panel and rest of his equipment.
The distinctive whir of armor servos filled the bay as Wade secured his final clasps. A hand landed on his shoulder – firm, confident. Captain Reynolds stood before him, the veteran Ranger Instructor’s face bearing scars from his own Zoo encounters. “Remember, Ranger Kovacs,” he said, voice pitched low but intense. “The principles you learned in the swamps and mountains back home apply just as much here. The tech may be state of the art, but leadership is leadership. Keep your head on straight, and bring your people home.”
Wade met his gaze steadily. “Yes, sir!” Two simple words carrying the weight of everything they’d learned, everything they’d survived to reach this point.
No More Blanks
The landing was surprisingly gentle for such a massive vessel, barely a shudder running through the deck plates as they touched down on Carthis 7’s reinforced landing pad. Camp Ramsey’s briefing room awaited them – a fortified bunker that had sheltered decades of Ranger classes. Wade gathered his platoon, their faces illuminated by the holographic tactical displays showing their target zone.
“Listen up, Rangers.” His voice carried the authority earned through months of training and trials. “We’ve got 12 hours to plan and rehearse before we hit our objective. We’ll be doing a Crazy-D insertion, landing 100 meters from the target.” The term ‘Crazy-D’ drew reactions – raised eyebrows, sharp intakes of breath. The Directed Descent insertion pods were notorious for their effectiveness and their brutality on the human body.
Metro’s eyebrow arched. “Crazy-D? That’s going to be one heck of a ride.” His voice carried a mix of professional concern and barely concealed excitement.
“You got that right,” Wade confirmed, turning to Jay. “I’ll need your squad ready for immediate suppression as soon as we hit ground. Those first thirty seconds will make or break us.” Jay nodded, already running scenarios in his head, calculating fields of fire and support positions.
The next twelve hours dissolved into intense preparation. The platoon immersed themselves in intelligence reports, studying satellite imagery that showed the ever-shifting landscape of the Zoo. They analyzed terrain models, marking kill zones and likely ambush points. Every scenario was run, every contingency planned for, every possible failure point identified and addressed.
Urban combat was challenging enough – but in the Zoo, it became a nightmare of alien aggression and hostile biology. Bombed out buildings held their own cruel danger for the careless, streets that might suddenly become death traps, and an enemy that understood the terrain with a home field advantage. The Rangers adapted their Earth-learned tactics, modern tech, and incorporating hard-won knowledge from previous Zoo experiences.
As insertion time approached, Wade gathered his platoon for final instructions. The briefing room had grown quiet, charged with pre-mission tension. “Remember your training,” he said, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. “Keep your tactical intervals, watch your sectors, and keep comms clear. We hit hard and fast. Questions.” The silence that answered him spoke volumes – they were ready, as ready as humans could be for what awaited them.
The Crazy-D drop lived up to its reputation. Each impact felt like a controlled crash, the compensation systems barely managing to keep the occupants conscious as they slammed into Carthis 7’s surface. Hatches hissed open to reveal the Zoo in all its terrible glory – a maze of broken buildings and twisted metal under an alien sky, the air itself seeming to pulse with malevolent energy.
Wade’s mind raced through final mission checks as his platoon deployed with practiced precision. Their objective burned in his thoughts: a suspected Skravak nest, buried deep in the urban wasteland. Intelligence suggested a major hive, one that had to be eliminated before it could spread further.
“Alright, listen up!” His voice carried across the assembly area, cutting through the last whispers of conversation. “We move out in five minutes. Jay, you’re on point. Metro, stick close – I need that comms link rock solid. The rest of you know your roles. Stay frosty, watch your sectors, and remember your training. Let’s show these bugs what the Confederation’s finest are made of.” The responding “Oorah!” echoed off broken walls, a sound of human defiance in this alien territory.
The Tactical Advantage
Their advance through the Zoo’s labyrinthine streets set every nerve on edge. The silence felt wrong, broken only by the crunch of debris under armored boots and distant, inhuman screams that set teeth on edge. Wade’s enhanced HUD constantly updated with tactical data – squad positions, vital signs, threat assessments. Every step could trigger an ambush, every shadow could hide death.
The attack came without warning. “Contact front!” The call crackled through comms an instant before pulse rifles opened up, their distinctive whine mixing with the alien shrieks of their targets. Wade’s training took over, his voice steady as he coordinated the response to the Skravak ambush. The firefight transformed into a deadly dance of plasma bolts and alien hungry maws snapping at Rangers moving with mechanical precision through their practiced maneuvers.
“Jay! Take second squad and flank left!” Wade’s orders cut through the chaos of battle. “Metro! I need air support on these coordinates—danger close!” Metro’s fingers flew across his comm panel, relaying the call for fire support with practiced efficiency. Moments later, the sky erupted as orbiting Thunderhawk gunships responded, their heavy weapons turning Skravak positions into craters of molten rock and alien gore.
The battle seemed to last forever, a constant push deeper into enemy territory. Wade lost count of how many times he’d called for fire support, how many times he’d redirected squads to shore up weak points in their advance. Through it all, Jay remained their anchor, his steady presence and accurate fire providing the stability they needed as chaos threatened to overwhelm them.
As they approached their primary objective – a massive structure of twisted metal and faracrete rubble that housed the Skravak nest – Wade felt ice form in his gut. The resistance had been fierce, but something in his battle-honed instincts screamed that worse was coming. The building itself seemed to pulse with malevolent life, its half-collapsed form a monument to the horrors that awaited within.
“All units, this is Rock Six,” he broadcast across the platoon net, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his system. “We’re approaching the target building – expect heavy resistance! Jay, get your squad in overwatch positions! Everyone else, prepare to breach and clear on my mark.”
What followed was pure combat chaos, a blur of violence and instinct. Wade led the charge into the alien hive, grateful for every punishing hour spent in Earth’s swamps and mountains. The leadership principles drilled into them became lifelines, allowing him to direct his forces through the fog of war with decisive clarity. Every lesson learned, every hardship endured, every prayer uttered – all of it culminated in these crucial moments.
When silence finally fell, Wade stood in the heart of the destroyed hive, chest heaving in his armor. Around him, Rangers moved with professional efficiency, securing the area, tending to the wounded, documenting their kills. They had done it – eliminated the Skravak nest without losing a single Ranger. The mission was an unqualified success, a testament to their training and determination.
Outside the shattered husk of the hive, Wade felt pride surge through him as he looked over his platoon. They had faced humanity’s nightmare and emerged victorious, their bonds forged stronger than ever in the fires of combat. Staff Sergeant Hunt’s gruff voice cut through their moment of triumph: “Outstanding work, Rangers. You’ve proven yourselves worthy of the tab. But don’t get cocky – this was just a taste of what real combat holds.”
Hunt’s words brought a sobering silence. Wade exchanged glances with Jay and Metro, seeing his own mix of pride and grim determination reflected in their eyes. They had earned their place among the Rangers, but this was just the beginning.
The transport ride back to Earth buzzed with excited discussion about what lay ahead – advanced exploration training, flight school, and most headed to assignments in the various Ranger Regiments leveraging their skills in the ongoing war against the Skravak threat. Wade settled into his seat, mind racing with possibilities as Carthis 7 shrank behind them. He allowed himself a small smile, knowing they had survived the Zoo and emerged stronger. The road ahead would be hard, but they would face it together, as brothers in arms forged in the fires of Earth and tempered in the alien battlefields of distant worlds.
Their Ranger tabs would mean more than just completing a school now – they represented humanity’s determination to survive, to push back against the darkness that threatened their species. Whatever challenges the galaxy held in store, they were ready to face them, one mission at a time.
In those days the crowd once again became very large, and they had nothing to eat. Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” For some of them have come a great distance.” The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and blessed them and broke them. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. A total of four thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children. After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan, the district of Dalmanutha.
My Thoughts
This is the second time Jesus fed thousands of people. The first time the people’s motives were exposed as superficial and certainly not spiritually oriented. Jesus put His finger dead in their hearts with this saying;
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”
OUCH! So they were there for the free fish and chips and to fill their gullets. But that’s not the end of the story. And during that first feeding…things went from bad to worse. He drops the “eat My flesh and drink My blood” bombshell on them and He disintegrates a mega-church to a small group in a single day.
So why is Jesus feeding the crowd again?! The people’s motives were probably the same. I can think of two reasons. The first is explicit, Jesus has compassion for them. Jesus’ motives were crystal clear on this, He loved the people. He loved them enough to feed them, heal them, and teach them (even if some of His teaching included hard truths). This was not a transactional relationship and is profoundly evident by His willingness to do it a second time.
The second observation is not as evident and like many of Jesus’ discipleship techniques, it’s kind of hidden under the miraculous. Jesus uses repetition to teach His disciples crucial lessons. Later He would remind them of these two events and chide them for not getting it. (Matthew 16:5-12)
This is why I jokingly say there are three ways to learn;
Repetition
Bluntforce Trama
And Repetitive Bluntforce Trama
So as we are becoming more like Jesus in our disciple-making, are we becoming more compassionate? Are we willing to teach the same lessons over and over again? These are two key ways we can emulate the Master.
My Story
Just the other day I was using these two elements in my disciple-making efforts. I asked Mike and Perla to join Deb and I as we engaged with some fellow laborers at a retreat. We sat down at the table with some folks and went into the “mentoring mode.” As I thumbed through my Bible, asked questions about how Jesus would define discipleship, and how He made disciples, the couple was watching me help others. I was multiplying spiritual food from the Word of God and they watched us feed these hungry souls.
I could tell that one of the couples sitting around the table was discouraged because their ministry efforts weren’t panning out quite like they expected. Compassion was pulling at my pastoral heart strings. I shifted gears and gave appropriate verses to encourage them and then we prayed.
This whole time I was modeling for Mike and Perla. They had heard almost everything I was dropping on the others before, so it was nothing new. But repetition was helping the concepts sink deeper into their hearts and minds. And I had the chance to show some compassion in the process.
Our Action Plan
Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas;
Are you and those you are discipling showing compassion and modeling it for others
Are you teaching sessions as a “One and Done” type of thing or are you “Recycling” to make it stick
Do a study on God’s repeated themes in the Scriptures (Warning: This is going to take you a while 🙂 )
Jesus’ second miracle of feeding thousands shows His enduring compassion and His knack for teaching through repetition, reminding us that discipleship is all about love and learning through repetition. Let’s follow His lead by showing compassion and recycling lessons until they stick.
Lecciones de Panes, Peces y Refritos – #107
¡Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy analizaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos para ver qué motivó a Jesús a alimentar a miles una vez más.
Comencemos.
Mateo 15:32-39, Marcos 8:1-10
En aquellos días, la multitud volvió a ser muy numerosa y no tenían qué comer. Entonces Jesús llamó a sus discípulos y les dijo: «Tengo compasión de esta multitud, porque ya llevan tres días conmigo y no tienen qué comer. No quiero despedirlos con hambre, no sea que desfallezcan en el camino». Algunos de ellos han venido desde muy lejos. Los discípulos respondieron: «¿Dónde, en este lugar desolado, podríamos encontrar suficiente pan para alimentar a tanta gente?». «¿Cuántos panes tienen?», preguntó Jesús. «Siete», respondieron, «y unos pocos pececillos». Y mandó a la multitud que se sentara en el suelo. Tomó los siete panes y los peces, dio gracias, los bendijo y los partió. Luego los dio a sus discípulos para que los sirvieran al pueblo. Y ellos los repartieron a la multitud. Todos comieron y se saciaron, y los discípulos recogieron siete cestas llenas de los pedazos que sobraron. Se alimentó a un total de cuatro mil hombres, además de mujeres y niños. Después de despedir a la multitud, Jesús subió a la barca y se dirigió a la región de Magadán, en el distrito de Dalmanuta.
Mis Pensamientos
Esta es la segunda vez que Jesús alimenta a miles de personas. La primera vez, se expuso que las motivaciones de la gente eran superficiales y, ciertamente, no espirituales. Jesús les clavó el dedo en el corazón con estas palabras:
“De cierto, de cierto os digo que me buscáis, no porque habéis visto señales, sino porque comisteis el pan y os saciasteis”.
¡Ay! Así que estaban allí por el pescado con patatas fritas gratis y para saciarse. Pero ese no es el final de la historia. Y durante esa primera alimentación… las cosas fueron de mal en peor. Les suelta la bomba de “comed mi carne y bebed mi sangre” y desintegra una megaiglesia en un pequeño grupo en un solo día.
Entonces, ¿por qué Jesús alimenta a la multitud otra vez? Las motivaciones de la gente probablemente eran las mismas. Se me ocurren dos razones. La primera es explícita: Jesús siente compasión por ellos. Sus motivaciones eran clarísimas: amaba a la gente. Los amó lo suficiente como para alimentarlos, sanarlos y enseñarles (aunque algunas de sus enseñanzas incluían verdades difíciles). Esta no era una relación transaccional y se evidencia profundamente en su disposición a repetirlo.
La segunda observación no es tan evidente y, como muchas de las técnicas de discipulado de Jesús, se esconde tras lo milagroso. Jesús usa la repetición para enseñar a sus discípulos lecciones cruciales. Más tarde, les recordaría estos dos eventos y los reprendería por no haberlos comprendido. (Mateo 16:5-12)
Por eso digo en broma que hay tres maneras de aprender:
Repetición
Trauma contundente
Y Trauma contundente repetitivo
Así que, a medida que nos asemejamos más a Jesús en nuestro discipulado, ¿nos volvemos más compasivos? ¿Estamos dispuestos a enseñar las mismas lecciones una y otra vez? Estas son dos maneras clave de emular al Maestro.
Mi Historia
Justo el otro día usaba estos dos elementos en mi labor de hacer discípulos. Les pedí a Mike y a Perla que se unieran a Deb y a mí mientras conversábamos con algunos compañeros en un retiro. Nos sentamos a la mesa con otras personas y entramos en modo mentoría. Mientras hojeaba mi Biblia, hacía preguntas sobre cómo Jesús definiría el discipulado y cómo hacía discípulos, la pareja me observaba ayudar a otros. Multiplicaba el alimento espiritual de la Palabra de Dios y ellos nos observaban alimentar a estas almas hambrientas.
Me di cuenta de que una de las parejas sentadas a la mesa estaba desanimada porque sus esfuerzos ministeriales no estaban dando los resultados que esperaban. La compasión me conmovía profundamente como pastor. Cambié de tema y les compartí versículos apropiados para animarlos, y luego oramos.
Durante todo este tiempo, les estaba dando un ejemplo a Mike y a Perla. Ya habían escuchado casi todo lo que les decía a los demás, así que no era nada nuevo. Pero la repetición ayudaba a que los conceptos calaran más profundamente en sus corazones y mentes. Y tuve la oportunidad de mostrar algo de compasión en el proceso.
Nuestro Plan de Acción
Ahora es momento de aplicar. Aquí tienes algunas ideas:
¿Tú y quienes discipulas muestran compasión y la modelan para los demás?
¿Enseñas de una sola vez o reciclas para que perdure?
Estudia los temas recurrentes de Dios en las Escrituras (Advertencia: Esto te llevará un tiempo 🙂).
El segundo milagro de Jesús al alimentar a miles muestra su compasión inagotable y su habilidad para enseñar mediante la repetición, recordándonos que el discipulado se trata de amor y aprendizaje mediante la repetición. Sigamos su ejemplo mostrando compasión y reciclando lecciones hasta que perduren.
Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com
“I will raise my eyes to the mountains; from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:1-3
High Highs & Low Lows
The crunch of boots against frozen earth echoed through the pre-dawn darkness as Wade’s team executed their airfield seizure. His breath formed small clouds in the bitter mountain air, a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. The operation had gone smoothly – too smoothly, he thought, exchanging knowing glances with Metro. In Ranger School, easy beginnings often heralded the harshest trials.
The austere beauty of Camp Frank D. Merrill stretched before them, dwarfed by the looming heights of the Georgia mountains. Wade’s boots crunched through a carpet of fallen leaves and pine needles as he and Metro made their way to the assembly area on Mosby. An unusual stillness had settled over the gathered Rangers, the typical chaos of training replaced by an anticipatory quiet that seemed to pulse with its own energy.
The approach of the Ranger Instructors drew every eye. Their weathered faces told stories of countless seasons spent in these unforgiving mountaintops. The lead RI stepped forward, and Wade braced himself for the familiar bark of command. Instead, the instructor’s voice carried across the formation with an almost contemplative tone.
“Welcome to the mountain phase, Rangers.” His words held none of the typical drill instructor fury. “We do things differently here. We don’t need to smoke you – the mountains and weather will extract their pound of flesh for us.” He gestured toward a cluster of crude wooden structures. “Those are your quarters. Basic, but you’ll be begging for them when you hit the TVD. Each hut has a pot-belly stove. Master it, or the cold will be unforgiving.”
As the company dispersed, Wade’s heart nearly stopped. There, framed in a hut doorway, stood a ghost from his past – Jay, his friend who had recycled the mountain phase. Joy and concern warred in Wade’s chest at the sight of his friend’s familiar face.
“Jay!” The name escaped before Wade could stop himself. He quickly corrected, “I mean, Ranger Owens!” The slip felt like sandpaper on his tongue. Security protocols demanded they maintain their cover identities, even here.
Jay’s eyes widened in recognition. “Wade? I mean… Ranger Smith!” They both froze, acutely aware of their mistake.
Metro’s gaze darted between them, his expression a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Wade could almost hear the gears turning in Metro’s head, filing away this interaction for future reference.
Inside the hut, Wade found himself surrounded by history written in permanent ink. Every surface bore the marks of Rangers who had come before – names, units, and dates scrawled wherever space allowed. His fingers traced over the faded writing:
Ranger Dugway, 1/75, 2-2358, “The Frozen Chosen”
Ranger Hathaway, 4/75, 6-2304, “Death from Above”
Ranger Huong, 3/75, “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”
Even markings from before the Military Consolidation Act of 2362 remained, like whispers from the past:
Ranger Wood, 2/75, 9-2279, “The Last Hard Class”
The weight of tradition pressed down on Wade’s shoulders as he stowed his gear. These walls held decades of triumph and failure, of dreams realized and shattered. Metro appeared equally affected, his usual sharp wit temporarily silenced by the gravity of their surroundings.
An RI’s shadow darkened the doorway. “Listen up, Rangers.” His voice carried the weight of experience. “The next five days will test you in ways you can’t imagine. It’s not just about endurance anymore – it’s about mastering the climb. You’ll learn basic mountaineering skills here at Camp Merrill, then it’s on to Mount Yonah for advanced climbing techniques.” A grim smile crossed his weathered face. “Remember this: it’s not the fall that’s going to kill you. It’s that sudden stop at the bottom. We call it rock poisoning.”
As the RI’s footsteps faded, Metro turned to Wade, his eyes narrowing. “So, Smith,” he said, emphasizing the last name with subtle emphasis. “Looks like you’ve got a friend here. Care to share how you two know each other so well?”
Wade’s mind raced through possible responses, weighing the delicate balance between trust and operational security. The bond between Ranger candidates was sacred, but so were the protocols that kept them safe. He opted for a partial truth, letting sincerity color his voice. “We served together briefly before Ranger School. Didn’t expect to see him here.”
Metro nodded slowly, his expression suggesting he knew there was more to the story but was willing to let it rest – for now. Outside their window, the mountains loomed silent and indifferent, their creasts disappearing into the gathering clouds of late fall.
Mountaineering
The next morning dawned crisp and clear, sunlight filtering through the pines as Wade and his fellow Rangers gathered for their first day of mountaineering training. The instructors wasted no time with pleasantries, diving straight into the complexities of knot tying and rope bridge construction. Sleep-deprived fingers fumbled with unfamiliar patterns, the importance of each knot emphasized by the instructors’ stern reminders of what failure could cost.
“Recon for Jaws!” The unexpected command cut through the morning air. Confusion rippled through the group until understanding dawned – they were about to become intimately acquainted with the icy stream that cut through the lower mountaineering area. The shock of submersion sent electricity through Wade’s nerves, chasing away any lingering fatigue with brutal efficiency.
Shivering and alert, they faced their next challenge – the 60-foot cliff that would serve as their introduction to rappelling. Wade’s prosthetic hand gripped the rope as he approached the edge, the instructor’s earlier warning echoing in his mind: “It’s not the fall that’ll kill you, it’s the sudden stop at the bottom.”
The first lean back into empty space set his heart racing, trust in equipment and training warring with instinct. The Australian rappel came next, forcing them to face the ground as they descended – a technique that demanded not just skill but the courage to embrace the counter-intuitive. Wade found himself grinning despite the challenge, adrenaline singing through his veins as he mastered each new technique.
The buddy evacuation rappel proved the most demanding challenge yet – both physically and mentally. Wade found himself harnessed to Metro’s back, the combined weight of their bodies and gear straining against the rope as they descended awkwardly down the cliff face. Every movement required precise coordination; a single misstep could send them both spinning out of control.
Mount Yonah brought new challenges and moments of transcendent beauty. The 120-foot night rappel under a full moon transformed the ordinary into something almost mystical. Wade hung suspended between earth and sky, the moonlight painting the Georgia mountains in shades of silver and shadow. The rope hummed softly through his hands as he controlled his descent, each breath visible in the cold mountain air. For a brief moment, the weight of his mission, his false identity, and even his separation from Kristin seemed to fall away, leaving only the pure focus of the present moment.
The primitive nature of their climbing gear added an extra edge to every evolution. Modern safety systems had been deliberately excluded from the training, forcing them to rely on basic equipment and technique. When a Marine from another squad suffered severe “rock rash” after his belay man failed to check his descent quickly enough, the harsh scraping sound and his cry of pain served as a visceral reminder of the consequences of complacency.
On their final night at Mount Yonah, the Ranger Chaplain held a service that offered a welcome respite from the physical demands of training. The chaplain’s voice carried across the gathering of exhausted Rangers, his words finding purchase in their weary spirits as he shared the story of the paralytic and his four faithful friends.
“Now, these guys,” the chaplain began, a hint of humor in his voice, “they weren’t afraid of a little property damage to accomplish the mission – tearing through that roof to get their friend to Jesus!” The tired Rangers chuckled, finding familiar echoes of their own determination in the ancient tale.
The chaplain’s expression grew more thoughtful. “But here’s what really strikes me about this story, Rangers. Before Jesus dealt with the man’s obvious physical need, He addressed something deeper – his spiritual condition. As you push your bodies to the limit here, don’t neglect what’s happening in your spirits.”
Wade found his eyes drawn to Jay during the service, remembering their shared experiences aboard the Skravak ship. They had seen horrors that would haunt them forever, yet here they were, still pushing forward, still fighting. The chaplain’s words about spiritual healing resonated deeply with Wade’s own journey over the past two years.
The next morning brought a sharp wind and the knowledge that their time at Mount Yonah was ending. As the Rangers broke camp and prepared for their descent, Wade, Jay, and Metro exchanged fist bumps – a gesture that carried more weight than words could express. Their shared experiences had forged a bond that transcended their cover identities, even if they couldn’t speak of it openly.
The Back Story
The terrain model took shape under Wade and Jay’s careful hands, a miniature representation of Hawk Mountain emerging from carefully placed rocks and twigs. The task offered a rare opportunity for conversation, though both men kept their voices low and their eyes on their work.
“Still can’t believe what happened at New Quantico,” Wade murmured, his prosthetic hand placing a small marker with precise care. “Feels like a lifetime ago, but it’s only been a few weeks.”
Jay nodded, his focus seemingly on the model but his mind clearly elsewhere. “I heard about it while I was still en route to Ranger School. Security team boarded our transport after refueling on Mars. Next thing I know, I’m ‘Frederick Owens,’ newly promoted sergeant, continuing on my way here.” He paused, adding quietly, “They said I’d get further instructions after graduation… if I graduate.”
Wade looked up from the terrain model, studying his friend’s face. “What do you mean, ‘if’? You seem different this time around – stronger, more focused.”
Jay’s hands stilled over the model. “I failed two patrols in my last class,” he admitted, his voice carrying the weight of past disappointment. “That’s why they recycled me in the mountain phase. I was trying too hard to be everyone’s friend, to be the nice guy. My fellow Rangers didn’t respond to that approach, and I paid the price for it.”
“Sounds rough,” Wade said softly, understanding flooding his features. “Leadership isn’t always about being liked.”
“That’s exactly it.” Jay’s fingers traced the contours of their miniature mountain. “I’ve been wrestling with this tension between being a Christian and being a warrior-leader. How do you love your neighbor while pushing them beyond their limits? How do you balance compassion with the aggression this job demands?”
Wade considered this, remembering the chaos of New Quantico. “Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is push people to be their best,” he offered. “Even when they hate you for it in the moment.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Metro’s approach. His footsteps faltered as he neared the model, his eyes widening with sudden recognition. “Wait a minute… I know who you are,” he breathed, glancing between Wade and Jay. “You’re two of the Marines who broke open the Skravak conspiracy!”
The air seemed to freeze between them. Wade straightened slowly, his posture shifting almost imperceptibly into a more guarded stance. “That’s right,” he confirmed quietly. “But we’d appreciate it if you could keep that information to yourself, Metro.”
Metro nodded eagerly, though his excitement was visible. “Of course, of course. But… the news feeds were buzzing about what you did for weeks! The infiltration, the rescued prisoners…”
“The feeds don’t tell the whole story,” Jay cut in, his voice carrying an edge that made Metro’s enthusiasm fade. “What we saw on that ship…” He shuddered, memories flickering behind his eyes.
“We found hundreds of humans in stasis,” Wade explained, his voice barely above a whisper. “Men, women, children… all being kept as food. The stench of that place, the darkness…” He shook his head, unable to continue.
Metro’s face had lost its color. “I knew it was bad, but… I had no idea.”
“That’s why what we’re doing here matters so much,” Wade said, gesturing to the terrain model. “We need every edge we can get to end this war. And that’s why our involvement needs to stay quiet. We can’t afford any distractions.”
Metro straightened, newfound respect evident in his bearing. “You have my word. But… thank you. For what you did, and what you’re still doing.”
The conversation shifted back to the mission at hand, but something had changed between the three Rangers. A deeper understanding had been forged, rooted in shared purpose and mutual respect.
As they finished the terrain model, Ranger Metropax gathered the section for the operations order. The raid on the observation post atop Hawk Mountain would be their first test as a unit. Weather reports warned of an incoming storm system, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging mission.
“This is going to be a hard one to start with,” Metro addressed the patrol, his voice steady despite the gravity of the task ahead. “But I’m confident if we all do our job and stay motivated, we’ll succeed. We move out at 1800 hours. Hit time is 02.”
The Ascent
Dusk painted the mountains in deepening shades of purple as the Rangers assembled for movement. The bank of dark clouds rolling in from the west promised more than just rain – it carried the threat of a mountain storm that could turn their already challenging mission into a battle for survival.
Wade adjusted his ruck one final time, the weight settling against his shoulders like an old enemy. His arm ached where the prosthetic hand met flesh, the cold already seeping into the connection point. He pushed the discomfort aside, focusing instead on the mission ahead. Beside him, Jay moved with a newfound confidence that spoke of lessons learned through failure and redemption.
The silence of their initial movement was broken only by the soft crunch of boots on rocky ground and the occasional muted clink of equipment. As they began their ascent of the Tennessee Valley Divide (TVD), the first scattered raindrops struck their faces – harbingers of the misery to come.
Within an hour, the weather transformed their world into a cold, wet torture. The rain, driven by gusting winds, seemed to find every gap in their wet weather gear. The steep terrain became treacherous, each step requiring careful placement to avoid a potentially fatal slip. What had started as a tactical movement was rapidly becoming a test of raw endurance and will.
Wade found his thoughts turning to Kristin as he pushed through the pain. The ache in his shoulder had become a constant companion, intensifying with every step. The cold seemed to have a particular hatred for his prosthetic, the connection point feeling like ice against his flesh. Yet in this struggle, he found a strange comfort – every step up this mountain was a step toward proving himself worthy of the sacrifice she had unknowingly made.
Jay moved through the darkness with purpose, his movements exhibiting none of the hesitation that had marked his previous attempt at the mountain phase. His voice, when he spoke to check on his team members, carried the quiet authority of someone who had finally found the balance between leadership and compassion.
Metro called a halt as they reached what felt like the halfway point, though in the darkness and driving sleet, distance had become an abstract concept. The Rangers huddled against the mountainside, checking maps and trying to conserve what little warmth remained in their bodies. The Ranger Instructors stood like sentinels in the storm, their stoic endurance a silent challenge to the struggling students.
The sleet intensified, the icy particles stinging exposed skin like tiny needles. Wade watched his breath form ghost-like clouds in the beam of his red-lens flashlight as he checked his map. The op-order replaying in his head, its words burned into his memory: raid, capture, report. Simple objectives made desperately complicated by terrain and weather.
Pressing On
The final days of mountain phase tested them in ways none had expected. The weather never improved, seeming instead to find new ways to make them miserable. Sleep deprivation played tricks with their minds – shadows became enemy patrols, rocks transformed into living creatures, and sometimes took on the eerie shapes of the Skravaks themselves. Yet through it all, Wade, Jay, and Metro found strength in their shared struggle and unwavering faith.
Their bodies shed weight at an alarming rate, uniforms hanging loose where they had once been tight. The constant physical exertion combined with minimal food created a hunger that became another test of will. Yet somehow, the hardship forged stronger bonds between them. They learned to read each other’s needs without words, to offer support before it was requested.
When word finally came of their successful completion of the mountain phase, the three Rangers shared a moment of quiet triumph. There was no energy for celebration – their bodies and minds were too depleted for anything more than grateful acknowledgment. They had survived the mountains, but they all knew that another challenge awaited them in the swamps to the south.
As they prepared for movement to the Florida phase, Wade caught Jay’s eye across the assembly area. They shared a look that contained volumes – pride in their accomplishment, recognition of how far they’d come, and determination for what lay ahead. Metro joined them, and no words were needed as they gathered their gear. They had conquered the mountains together, and the swamps, however daunting, would face the same unified front.
The mountains had changed them, stripping away pretense and revealing the core of who they were as Rangers and as men. As their transport arrived to carry them south, Wade took one last look at the Georgia mountaintops. They had entered the mountain phase as individuals seeking to prove themselves. They would leave it as brothers, forged in the crucible of cold, wet, and endless vertical challenges.
The swamps awaited, bringing their own unique brand of misery. But for now, they had earned the right to move to the next phase, and that knowledge would carry them through whatever hardship lay ahead.
ToBeLikeJesus 