Chapter 25 – Camp Darby

But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.”

John 4:32 & 34

Scavenge to Survive

There was no centralized issue facility in Ranger School. The students were taken to abandoned structures and vehicles where antique equipment, ammunition, and rations were cached. Once they identified the cache, they had to determine the priority of what to take or leave. Wade’s squad was taken to a landing pad where a dilapidated UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter stood as a silent sentinel on the sun-baked tarmac of Camp Darby. Its faded paint and patches of rust were a stark contrast to the pristine olive drab uniforms of the assembled Ranger students. The once-proud war machine now served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ranger training, even in this era of advanced technology. First Sergeant Miller’s voice boomed across the area, silencing the nervous chatter of the students.

“Listen up, Rangers! This relic is about to become your home for the next few hours. Welcome to the Darby Phase, where you’ll learn to improvise, adapt, and overcome using methods that have stood the test of time.”

Wade smiled, a mix of anticipation and determination in his eyes. Beside him, Ranger Metropax shifted nervously, his lanky frame dwarfed by the lifeless hulk that used to be a helicopter.

“Think they’ll let us fly it, Smith?” Metropax whispered, joking with his buddy.

Smith chuckled, shaking his head. “Not a chance, Metro. It’d take a miracle to get this baby off the ground again.”

The Rangers were divided into squads and tasked with scavenging gear from the helicopter’s interior. As they clambered into the cabin, the smell of stale fuel and dust filled their nostrils. Smith and Metropax found themselves in the cargo compartment, surrounded by olive drab canvas bags and wooden crates.

As they assembled their rucksacks and load-bearing equipment, Wade felt a connection to the Rangers who had come before him. “These packs were state-of-the-art back then,” Smith explained, showing Metropax how to adjust the straps. “They’ll do the job if you know how to use them.” They stuffed their rucks to the hilt with the necessary blank ammunition, rations, and other gear. They were surprised that the ancient backpack could hold over a hundred pounds if packed correctly.

The Darby Queen

First Sergeant Miller’s voice echoed in their minds as they navigated the challenging terrain. “This phase will test your ability to plan, prepare, and execute reconnaissance patrols. You’ll be evaluated on your leadership skills, your tactical proficiency, and your ability to work as a team. But first, you gotta make it through the Darby Queen.”

The infamous Darby Queen Obstacle Course, a grueling test of physical endurance and mental fortitude, consisted of 20 obstacles spread over a mile of uneven, hilly terrain.

As Wade approached the course, he could feel the eyes of the instructors upon him. He knew that his performance here would be a critical factor in his overall evaluation. Taking a deep breath, he launched himself into the first obstacle.

The course was a blur of rope climbs, wall scales, and log carries. Wade’s muscles screamed in protest as he pushed himself to the limit. His prosthetic hand, usually an asset, didn’t seem to present any advantage to the unique challenge as he navigated the obstacles.

Beside him, Metropax struggled with a particularly difficult rope climb. Without hesitation, Smith paused to offer encouragement and advice. “Keep going, Metro,” he called out. “Use your legs, not just your arms. You’ve got this!”

Metropax nodded, gritting his teeth as he redoubled his efforts. Together, they pushed through the pain and fatigue, crossing the finish line with nothing left in the tank.

As they collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, Wade felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see First Sergeant Miller standing over them, a rare smile on his weathered face.

“That’s what I like to see,” Miller said. “Rangers never leave a man behind. You two exemplify the spirit of this course.”

Recon

The next morning, the Rangers set out on their first patrol. The Georgia pines towered above them, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of pine needles and damp earth. They moved in tactical “V” formations, their boots crunching on fallen leaves and twigs.

The Rangers faced a series of graded patrols, each one designed to test a different aspect of their training. They conducted far and near reconnaissance missions and even participated in a simulated dropship operation.

When it was Smith’s turn to lead, he felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He gathered his squad, issuing the warning order and assigning roles. As he spoke, he could see the trust in his teammates’ eyes. They were ready to follow him into the unknown.

As they pushed deeper into the forest, Wade recalled the fast-paced instruction they had received on troop leading procedures and principles of patrolling. Now, it was time to put that knowledge into practice.

The squad came to a halt at the edge of a clearing. Wade, who had been designated as squad leader for this patrol, gathered his fellow Rangers around him. “Alright, listen up,” he said in a low voice. “We’ve got a recon mission. Our objective is to gather intel on an enemy position about two klicks northeast of here.”

He quickly issued the operation order, assigning roles and responsibilities to each team member. Metropax would be the point man, leading the way with his keen eye for detail and natural instinct for navigation.

As they moved out, Wade felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He knew that his performance as a leader would be scrutinized not only by the instructors but also by his peers. The peer evaluation system was a crucial component of Ranger School, ensuring that only those who could earn the respect and trust of their fellow Rangers would advance.

The patrol moved silently through the underbrush, each Ranger hyper-aware of their surroundings. Suddenly, Metropax raised his fist, the signal to freeze. Then he motioned for Ranger Smith to move forward to join him.

“Whatcha got?” Wade whispered.

Metropax pointed to his ear. “Vehicle up ahead,” he murmured. “You can barely hear it. It must be on the dirt road here on the map.”

It was obvious that the Op-FOR (Opposing Forces, a simulated enemy unit) was patrolling the roads, looking for any unsuspecting Ranger students.

Smith nodded, his mind racing as he assessed the situation. This unexpected development could complicate their mission, but it also presented an opportunity to demonstrate their tactical awareness and adaptability.

“Good catch, Metro,” Smith whispered. “We’ll stay on azimuth, but stay alert. They’re probably looking for us but we found them first.”

They moved to their objective rally point, posted security, and performed a leader’s recon to get the lay of the land and confirm the location of the objective. Wade knew that if the Op-FOR were to discover them, he would automatically fail his patrol. Reconnaissance wasn’t something you could shoot your way out of. It took the utmost stealth and cunning, and by no means could they be discovered or compromised. The RI, Sergeant Kilby, looked on, scrutinizing Ranger Smith’s every move.

As Wade scoped out the area, he noticed a tall tree about 300 meters from the objective with a large open area between the two. Wade signaled to Metropax and whispered, “If I could climb the tree with my binos, I could probably get a pretty good look at the objective.”

Metropax looked concerned. “That’s pretty unorthodox, Smith. No one mentioned tree climbing in any of our training. You think the RI will go for it?”

Wade thought for a moment. “Well… if we have security posted, don’t violate any principles, and get all the priority intelligence requirements… I can’t see why not.”

Metropax grimaced but complied.

They slowly moved to the tree, and Wade had his men cover their three, six, and nine o’clock positions at the base. The RI looked at Wade and asked, “Ranger Smith, what in the world are you doing?”

“I’m going to climb this tree and do my recon from here,” Wade said with very little conviction.

The RI raised one eyebrow and shook his head. “Well Ranger, it’s YOUR patrol.”

Wade and Metropax glanced at each other, displaying their fear that this may have been a stupid idea.

It was an easy climb to get about 20 feet above the ground, but there was little concealment. Wade held his breath, hoping and praying the Op-FOR would never suspect such an unorthodox approach to reconnaissance. If they spotted him, it would be a No Go for sure.

He nervously jotted in his notebook the number of personnel, weapons and their types, structures and vehicles, and drew a simple sketch, remembering to annotate the compass heading and distances. He scrambled back down the tree and whispered to his men, “Let’s get the heck out of here!”

They moved most of the night and finally set up a patrol base eight kilometers from the objective, making double sure they weren’t followed. The RI changed the leadership positions, and Wade and Metropax moved to the perimeter to keep watch and pull security. It was 0330 in the morning, and they would each trade positions to get one hour of sleep before “stand to.”

The hours passed too quickly. It was as though they hadn’t slept at all. The RI called Wade to the center of the perimeter to counsel him on his performance the day before. Wade was almost certain the Sergeant didn’t approve of his harebrained idea.

“Ranger Smith, how do you think you did on your recon?” he asked with a blank face.

Wade was so sleepy, he had to pinch himself to stay alert enough to answer the RI’s question. “Well, Sergeant… I don’t think it was by the book… but I didn’t violate any principles that I know of?”

The RI let Wade stew a moment before he addressed the weary Ranger. “Well, Ranger… This is the first time I have ever seen a recon done like a monkey. Very unorthodox, indeed… But you are correct. You didn’t violate any principles of patrolling, and you retrieved all the priority intel requirements. Not only am I going to give you a Go on your patrol, I want you to sign this major positive spot report for initiative and ingenuity.”

Wade sat there dumbfounded. The RI snapped his fingers in front of Wade’s face. “Well Ranger, are you going to sign this or not?!”

Wade quickly snatched the pen from the RI’s grip. “Oh, uh, yes, Sergeant! Roger that!”

A new set of RIs replaced the old ones, and a new day of relentless trudging through the Georgia terrain continued. But Ranger Smith had the assurance he was going to the next phase, the mountains, if he just didn’t do anything dumb in the next few days.

Hallucinations

As they continued their patrols, the physical and mental strain began to take its toll. The Rangers had been operating on minimal sleep and limited rations, pushing their bodies and minds to the limit. This grueling regimen was designed to assess their physical stamina and mental toughness, key attributes of a Ranger.

By the fifth day of patrols, fatigue had set in hard. Smith found himself battling hallucinations brought on by sleep deprivation. As they moved through a particularly dense thicket, he swore he saw leopards leaping across his path. He blinked hard, forcing himself to focus and clear his head.

Beside him, Metropax was faring no better. During a brief rest halt, Smith watched in bemused concern as his friend stumbled toward a nearby tree, fumbling with imaginary coins.

“I could really go for a Snickers,” Metropax mumbled, his voice slurred with exhaustion as he attempted to insert the non-existent currency into what he perceived as a vending machine.

Wade gently pulled Metropax away from the tree. “Come on, buddy,” he said, his voice a mixture of amusement and concern. “Let’s get some shut-eye. We’ll be back on patrol soon enough.”

Despite their exhaustion and hallucinations, Smith and Metropax pressed on. They had learned to rely on each other, to draw strength from their shared determination. This bond, forged in the furnace of Ranger School, was as vital to their success as any tactical skill they had learned.

Driving On

As the days wore on, the challenges intensified.

The mission was a success, with the squad achieving their objectives and exfiltrating without detection. As they regrouped at the designated rally point, Smith could see the exhaustion on his teammates’ faces, but also the glimmer of satisfaction in their eyes. They had faced a challenge and overcome it together.

The final week of the Darby Phase brought a series of increasingly complex reconnaissance missions. But they had finally finished, each having passed their patrols. As the Rangers prepared for their transition to the Mountain Phase, there was a foreboding sense of anticipation in the air.

On their last night at Camp Darby, Smith and Metropax sat by a small pup tent in the dark, reflecting on their journey. The moonlight cast shadows across their faces, highlighting the changes wrought by their experiences.

“You know, Smith,” Metropax said, his voice quiet but steady, “I wasn’t sure I had what it took when we started this. But now…” He trailed off, gesturing at the camp around them.

Smith nodded, understanding the unspoken sentiment. “We’ve come a long way, Metro. But this is just the beginning. The Mountain Phase is going to push us even harder.”

As they sat in companionable silence, Wade pulled out his pocket New Testament and started reading, illuminating the pages with his red lens flashlight. His thoughts drifted to the challenges that lay ahead. The Mountain Phase, conducted in the rugged terrain near Dahlonega, Georgia, would test their skills in a whole new environment. They would face steep ascents, treacherous descents of the Tennessee Valley Divide (the TVD), and the constant battle against the elements.

But as he looked at Metropax, Wade felt a surge of conviction. He had not shared his faith with his Ranger buddy. “Metro, can I pray and ask God to help us make it through the mountain phase?”

Metro looked at Wade matter-of-factly. “Absolutely, Ranger buddy… if you think it will help.”

Wade gave a curious glance over his shoulder. “Have you ever heard the gospel?”

Metro looked skyward, pondering the question. “No… Don’t think I have.”

Wade leaned back on his ruck. “This book tells the story of God’s love for us and how we have all rebelled against Him in spite of that love. But God, our creator, didn’t reject us for our rebellion but actually leaned into it by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. His death satisfied the penalty we should have paid for our own wrongdoing. The Bible calls this wrongdoing sin. And the penalty for sinning against God is death. But like I said, He sent His Son to pay that penalty for us by dying on a cross. But He didn’t stay dead. In three days, He rose from the dead to prove He is the King over everything, including death. And now He sits at the right hand of God pleading our case to God.”

Metro’s face twisted. “And you believe this?!”

“Well, yes… but not at first. But once I opened myself to learning more about Him and His love, God started showing Himself to me in very crazy ways.”

“Well… no offense, but that’s what it’s going to take for me… I mean… I need some proof.” Metro leaned back and looked to the sky again. “You can certainly pray for that and that we will make it through the mountains.”

They both laid back to get some sleep under the stars. Wade looked at the brilliant expanse and prayed for Metro and himself. He prayed for Kristen and remembered to lift up Jay as well. The prayer was simple, short, and sincere. Then before he could say Amen, sleep overwhelmed him.

High Altitude Insertion

The next morning, as they prepared to board the awaiting Thunderhawk dropships that would take them to the Mountain Phase, First Sergeant Miller addressed the Rangers one last time. He gave a briefing about their extreme high altitude insertion into Mosby Army Airfield, at Camp Merrill, the mountain phase.

“You’ve proven yourselves worthy to move to the next phase,” First Sergeant Miller said, his voice carrying across the assembly area. “But your journey is far from over. The mountains will test you in ways you can’t imagine. Remember your training, trust in your Ranger buddies, and never, ever quit.” Miller continued, “This next insertion… nothing new to you, you’ve all been through Dropship Insertion School and you’ve all got a few Extreme High Altitude drops under your belts. Your mission is an airfield seizure and making the insertion from the edge of space into Mosby Army Airfield.” A few Rangers exchanged nervous glances. Miller let the weight of his statement sink in and continued.

“Mosby is a 400-meter-long grass strip, barely enough room to land a bird, let alone 30 drop pods. You will be jumping from 120,000 feet, retro-assisted fall for over three minutes, reaching speeds of over 600 miles per hour. You’ll have to rely on your equipment and your training to guide you safely to the ground.” He paused, his eyes scanning the faces of the Rangers. “This is not a simulated drop. This is the real deal. The Op-FOR will be waiting for you, and you’ll need to be prepared to fight as soon as you hit the ground.”

“Any questions?” Miller asked.

The Rangers shook their heads, their faces grim with confidence. They had come too far to have second thoughts now.

“Good,” Miller said. “Get your gear and board the birds. We launch in 30 mikes.”

The Rangers boarded the dropships that would take them to the edge of the atmosphere and then the Mountain Phase, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within them.

As the Thunderhawk ascended and the Rangers entered their drop pods, Smith looked out the viewport and watched as the Earth shrunk beneath him. The curve of the planet was clearly visible, and he could see the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The sky above was a deep, inky black, studded with stars. Wade remembered feeling this small and insignificant on the first drop in DIS. Yet, at the same time, he felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. He was on the edge of space, about to embark on one of the best thrill rides the military had to offer.

The RI acting as the Drop Master came over the comms. “Approaching drop altitude. Get ready!”

Wade took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could feel the dropship slowing as it reached its final altitude. Then, the order came: “Green light! DROP!” The pods exploded to the side and the initial moments of freefall were disorienting. Wade felt weightless, as if he were floating in a dream. The Rangers had entered the void. Suddenly the retros fired to begin their descent.

He could see the Earth rushing towards him, but it seemed to take forever to get closer. He knew he was falling at an incredible speed, but it didn’t feel like it. It felt like he was suspended in time. Then, the atmosphere began to thicken. Wade could feel the air resistance building, slowing his descent. The G-forces pressed up on him, making it difficult to breathe.

Wade fought the blood rushing to his head, focusing on his training. He could see the airstrip and the drop zone rushing up to meet him. This was it… the Mountain Phase.

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The Dog Lady on the Beach – #105

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of Matthew and Mark to see how Jesus responded to persistent faith and how He modeled rhythms of rest.

So let’s get started.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

Matthew 15:21–28, Mark 7:24–30

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. Instead, a Canaanite woman from that region whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet. Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter, saying “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.”

But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!” she said. But Jesus replied, “First let the children have their fill. It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” “O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Because of this answer you may go and let it be done for you as you desire.” And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone and she was healed from that very hour.

My Thoughts

I want to draw your attention to two insights from this passage. One is most commonly written about and the other a little bit more obscure but just as important.

The first is the woman whose daughter was tormented by a demon. She was a Gentile and outside of the scope of Jesus’ targeted ministry. She was a pest and the disciples were begging Jesus to get rid of her. After all, they were on vacation enjoying the beach (more on that in my second insight). Jesus finally addresses the woman with what could have only been received as an insult;

“First let the children have their fill. It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Did Jesus just call this lady a dog? That’s how I would have taken it! But notice her humility and faith. She doesn’t get mad and storm off. She doesn’t call the cops for what could have been perceived as a racial slur (AKA hate speech). No, she humbly bows before the King of kings and wisely presents her petition in a way that Jesus cannot ignore;

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Now there are a few things that really get Jesus excited and one of them is extraordinary faith. (Remember the centurion who had more faith than anyone in israel? Matthew 8:5-13) Yes, although this woman was not part of the focus group and even a bother, Jesus was compelled to honor her request. Now that says a lot about how much joy God gets when we really trust Him and place our faith in Him! By the way, when you compare the two, I’d rather be called a dog than a sheep. Just saying.

On to the second insight. Notice where Jesus was – Tyre and Sidon. And notice why He was there – “Not wanting anyone to know He was there.” Wait, what? Is Jesus taking a break? You better believe He was! And the district Tyre and Sidon is a coastal region on the Mediterranean. Could Jesus have been spending time on the beach? Why not? I can just hear the disciples gasp when they see the vastness of the Med compared to their “Sea of Galilee.” Here’s my question; Why would it be so incredibly hard to believe that Jesus and His men were taking a vacation? I mean, think about the pace they were keeping. Even when Jesus suggested that they “Come away by themselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” 5000 people showed up to dinner. They were keeping a hectic schedule, frequently going without meals themselves. (Mark 6:31)

As often as Jesus was wrongfully chastised for violating the law of rest you’ve got to believe the Lord of the Sabbath would show us how to take a break. He actually goes on retreat at least two more times to be alone with His disciples. (Mark 8:27, John 11:54)

My Story

We built a 10×10 cabin on the backside of our property for the purpose of having a place to get away and spend time with God in solitude. We had some folks visit our place and we gave them the grand tour of our property and the “Quiet Time Cabin.” Later we found out that the cabin was jokingly renamed the “Shack of Shame.” It was supposed to be a joke but you know what they say, “A joke is just a veiled way to say what you’re really thinking.”

You have to ask the question, “Why would our friends be adverse to a place of rest and contemplation?” Well, one, these were Paratroopers and Special Forces folks and they rest when they die. And secondly, hard core disciple-makers are not known for taking rest seriously. And then again, neither were the children of Israel.

But as I look at Jesus taking a nap during a storm, the Omnipotent Father resting on the seventh day of creation, and the penalty for breaking the Sabbath in the Old Testament (look it up, it’s the same as witchcraft, sorcery, and adultery), I’m pretty convinced that God is serious about rest. It’s only for our own good and we’d do well to “Take 5” on a regular basis.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for some applications. Here’s some ideas;

As a disciple-maker, are you looking for people with extraordinary faith, even if it’s outside your “ministry target?”
Talk to those you are discipling and come up with a profile of someone with extraordinary faith
Do a personal inventory – Do you have an adequate rest rhythm?

In reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman and His retreat to Tyre and Sidon, we see the importance of persistent faith and the value of rest in our lives. By embracing these lessons, we can deepen our trust in God and cultivate a healthier balance between ministry and rest, just as Jesus modeled for us.

La señora del perro en la playa – 105

¡Bienvenidos nuevamente! Hoy, analizaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos para ver cómo respondió Jesús a la fe persistente y cómo modeló ritmos de descanso.

Comencemos.

Mateo 15:21-28, Marcos 7:24-30

De allí partió Jesús y se fue a la región de Tiro y Sidón. No queriendo que nadie supiera que estaba allí, entró en una casa, pero no pudo pasar desapercibido. En cambio, una mujer cananea de aquella región, cuya hijita tenía un espíritu inmundo, oyó hablar de Jesús, y fue y se postró a sus pies. Era una mujer griega de origen sirofenicio, y le pedía que expulsara al demonio de su hija, diciendo: «Señor, Hijo de David, ten compasión de mí; mi hija está miserablemente poseída por un demonio».

Pero Jesús no respondió ni una palabra. Entonces sus discípulos se acercaron y le rogaron: «Despídela, porque sigue gritando detrás de nosotros». Él respondió: «Sólo a las ovejas perdidas de la casa de Israel fui enviado». La mujer se acercó y se arrodilló ante Él. «Señor, ayúdame», le dijo. Pero Jesús le respondió: «Primero deja que los niños se sacien. No está bien tomar el pan de los hijos y echárselo a los perros. Ella le respondió: «Sí, Señor, hasta los perros comen debajo de la mesa las migajas que caen de la mesa de sus amos». Jesús le respondió: «Mujer, ¡qué grande es tu fe! Por esta respuesta puedes irte y que se cumpla lo que deseas». Cuando volvió a su casa, encontró al niño acostado en la cama; el demonio había desaparecido y ella quedó sana desde aquel mismo momento.

Mis Pensamientos

Quiero llamar su atención sobre dos ideas de este pasaje. Una es la más comúnmente escrita y la otra un poco más oscura pero igual de importante.

La primera es la mujer cuya hija estaba atormentada por un demonio. Ella era gentil y estaba fuera del alcance del ministerio de Jesús. Era una plaga y los discípulos le rogaban a Jesús que se deshiciera de ella. Después de todo, estaban de vacaciones disfrutando de la playa (más sobre eso en mi segunda idea). Jesús finalmente se dirige a la mujer con lo que solo podría haber sido recibido como un insulto:

“Deja primero que los hijos se sacien. No está bien tomar el pan de los hijos y echarlo a los perros”.

¿Jesús acaba de llamar a esta mujer perro? ¡Así es como lo habría tomado yo! Pero note su humildad y fe. Ella no se enoja y se va furiosa. Ella no llama a la policía por lo que podría haber sido percibido como un insulto racial (también conocido como discurso de odio). No, ella humildemente se inclina ante el Rey de reyes y sabiamente presenta su petición de una manera que Jesús no puede ignorar;

“Sí, Señor”, dijo ella, “hasta los perrillos comen debajo de la mesa las migajas que caen de la mesa de sus amos”.

Ahora bien, hay algunas cosas que realmente entusiasman a Jesús y una de ellas es una fe extraordinaria. (¿Recuerdas al centurión que tenía más fe que nadie en Israel? Mateo 8:5-13) Sí, aunque esta mujer no era parte del grupo de enfoque e incluso una molestia, Jesús se vio obligado a honrar su pedido. ¡Eso dice mucho sobre cuánto gozo obtiene Dios cuando realmente confiamos en Él y ponemos nuestra fe en Él! Por cierto, cuando comparas los dos, prefiero que me llamen perro que oveja. Solo lo digo.

Pasemos a la segunda idea. Observa dónde estaba Jesús: Tiro y Sidón. Y observa por qué estaba allí: “No quería que nadie supiera que estaba allí”. Espera, ¿qué? ¿Jesús se está tomando un descanso? ¡Será mejor que creas que lo estaba! Y el distrito de Tiro y Sidón es una región costera del Mediterráneo. ¿Podría haber estado Jesús pasando tiempo en la playa? ¿Por qué no? Casi puedo oír a los discípulos jadear cuando vieron la inmensidad del Mediterráneo en comparación con su “Mar de Galilea”. Mi pregunta es: ¿por qué sería tan increíblemente difícil creer que Jesús y sus hombres se estaban tomando unas vacaciones? Piensen en el ritmo que llevaban. Incluso cuando Jesús sugirió que “se retiraran a un lugar solitario para descansar un poco”, 5000 personas se presentaron a cenar. Tenían un horario muy apretado y con frecuencia se quedaban sin comer. (Marcos 6:31)

Por más que Jesús fuera injustamente reprendido por violar la ley del descanso, hay que creer que el Señor del sábado nos mostraría cómo tomar un descanso. De hecho, se retira al menos dos veces más para estar a solas con sus discípulos. (Marcos 8:27, Juan 11:54)

Mi Historia

Construimos una cabaña de 10×10 en la parte trasera de nuestra propiedad con el propósito de tener un lugar para alejarnos y pasar tiempo con Dios en soledad. Tuvimos algunas personas que visitaron nuestra propiedad y les mostramos un recorrido por nuestra propiedad y la “cabaña del tiempo de silencio”. Más tarde descubrimos que la cabaña había sido rebautizada en broma como “la cabaña de la vergüenza”. Se suponía que era una broma, pero ya sabes lo que dicen: “Una broma es solo una forma velada de decir lo que realmente estás pensando”.

Tienes que hacerte la pregunta: “¿Por qué nuestros amigos serían reacios a un lugar de descanso y contemplación?” Bueno, en primer lugar, estos eran paracaidistas y miembros de las Fuerzas Especiales y descansan cuando mueren. Y en segundo lugar, los hacedores de discípulos incondicionales no son conocidos por tomarse el descanso en serio. Y, por otra parte, tampoco lo eran los hijos de Israel.

Pero cuando veo a Jesús durmiendo la siesta durante una tormenta, al Padre Omnipotente descansando en el séptimo día de la creación y el castigo por quebrantar el Sabbath en el Antiguo Testamento (búscalo, es lo mismo que la brujería, la hechicería y el adulterio), estoy bastante convencido de que Dios se toma en serio el descanso. Es solo para nuestro propio bien y haríamos bien en descansar de forma regular.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de aplicar algunas ideas. Aquí hay algunas:

Como hacedor de discípulos, ¿está buscando personas con una fe extraordinaria, incluso si está fuera de su “meta ministerial”?

Hable con aquellos a quienes está discipulando y elabore un perfil de alguien con una fe extraordinaria.

Haga un inventario personal: ¿tiene un ritmo de descanso adecuado?

Al reflexionar sobre el encuentro de Jesús con la mujer cananea y su retiro a Tiro y Sidón, vemos la importancia de la fe persistente y el valor del descanso en nuestras vidas. Al aceptar estas lecciones, podemos profundizar nuestra confianza en Dios y cultivar un equilibrio más saludable entre el ministerio y el descanso, tal como Jesús nos lo demostró.

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Chapter 24 – Dream or Nightmare

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“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful…”

Hebrews 10:23

Confirmation

The sterile corridors of the morgue echoed with Kristen’s determined footsteps. This was her third visit in as many weeks, each time armed with the same unshakable conviction: Wade was alive.

As she approached the desk, the clerk’s face softened with recognition and pity. “Dr. Kitzler, I’m sorry, but nothing’s changed. Corporal Kovacs’ remains aren’t here.”

Kristen nodded, her expression a mask of professional detachment. “I understand. Thank you.”

Outside, she leaned against the cool stone of the building, letting out a shaky breath. The absence of Wade’s body only strengthened her belief. She closed her eyes, remembering their last moment together, Wade’s promise ringing in her ears: “Always.”

With renewed determination, Kristen straightened her shoulders and headed back to the hospital. The war raged on, and she had a job to do. But beneath her calm exterior, a fierce hope burned.

In quiet moments between patients, Kristen found herself whispering prayers. “Lord, keep him safe. Bring him back to me.”

As weeks turned to months, doubt tried to creep in. But Kristen held fast to her faith and the memories that sustained her. She threw herself into her work, comforting those who had seen so much carnage and mending broken minds and hearts, all while holding space in her own heart for the man she knew would return.

“Always,” she whispered each night before sleep claimed her. It was a promise, a prayer, and a declaration of unwavering love. Whatever battles Wade was fighting, whatever secrets kept them apart, Kristen knew one thing with absolute certainty: their story was far from over.

Deceptive Calm

The aroma of perfectly grilled steak wafted through the air as Wade savored each bite, still marveling at the stark contrast between his current surroundings and the rustic boot camp on Carthis 7. The administrative staff at Ranger School had welcomed him with unexpected warmth, their efficiency tinged with a genuine friendliness that felt almost surreal after weeks of secrecy and tension. He knew this special treatment wouldn’t last long.

As he waited for his paperwork to be processed, Wade’s gaze drifted to the window, taking in the lush greenery that stretched as far as the eye could see. Earth had changed dramatically in the century and a half since the devastating Skravak attack. The scorched-earth tactics employed by the aliens had razed cities to the ground, slashing the global population from 8 billion to a mere 1 billion souls, now scattered primarily across rural landscapes.

The irony wasn’t lost on Wade. Humanity had been forcibly regressed to a lifestyle reminiscent of the late 1800s, with only pockets of advanced technology persisting in crucial areas like agriculture, transportation, and communication. The collective trauma of the AI betrayal that had facilitated the alien invasion left most Earthers deeply mistrustful of complex computer systems.

Wade chuckled to himself, realizing how strange Earth seemed compared to the more technologically advanced colonies. The planet’s inhabitants clung to their “backward” ways with fierce pride, their traditions a bulwark against the terrors of the past.

Yet, from this devastation had sprung an unexpected boon. Free from centuries of industrial pollutants and harmful agricultural practices, Earth’s soil had rejuvenated. The planet now stood as one of the most fertile in the entire confederacy, its economy revolving primarily around agriculture and the export of organic materials to resource-hungry colonies.

As Wade shouldered his duffle bag and made his way to the barracks, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. All the changes, including his new identity, felt like he had stepped back in time. An epoch he had read about in high school history books.

As Wade shouldered his duffle bag and made his way to the barracks, he was immediately paired with Ranger Metropax, a lanky, tall, awkward man with a sheepish half-smile. “Smith,” Metropax nodded, extending his hand. “Looks like we’re ranger buddies.” Wade returned the firm handshake, recognizing the look and demeanor of a Marine Lieutenant. Rangers wore no rank in training and were all considered peers, but the chasm between officer and enlisted was always apparent.

The barracks were a far cry from the sterile environments of military spaceships. The scent of polished wood and fresh linens filled the air as Wade and Metropax claimed adjacent bunks, tossing their duffels down in unison. Around them, other Ranger pairs were settling in, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The rhythmic sound of footsteps drew everyone’s attention. A barrel-chested Ranger Instructor strolled casually down the center aisle, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He sported a form-fitting black t-shirt, emblazoned with a large gold Ranger tab on the front and his white name tag proudly displayed above it. When he spoke, his voice was calm and almost friendly, belying the intensity of the training to come.

“Welcome, Rangers,” he announced, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Ranger students. “Get a good night’s sleep. We’ll get started at 07 hundred hours in the morning.”

As the instructor turned and exited the barracks, Metropax leaned over to Wade. “You’ve been through this before? You’re a Bat Boy, right, I mean.” Metropax was referring to enlisted rangers headed to an assignment in one of the Ranger Battalions. Wade nodded slightly, and in a hushed tone suppressing a chuckle, said, “07 hundred, ha. Don’t you believe it for a second!”

As they began unpacking their gear, Wade’s thoughts drifted to Kristen. He wondered what she was doing, if she was safe, if she still believed in him. The weight of the promise reassuring him – “This is the woman you’re going to marry” – settled in his heart and mind as a source of strength.

Tomorrow would bring challenges, that much was certain. Wade pulled the sheets tight and folded six inches over the blanket at the head, perfectly made to military standards. He carefully lay on top of the blanket and sheets, fully dressed and ready to move on a moment’s notice. He knew better than to get between the sheets. There would be no time to get dressed, let alone make his bed to pass inspection. As Wade lay on his bunk, listening to the quiet rustling of his fellow Rangers settling in for the night, he warned Metropax and those closest to him to do as he had done. The Lieutenant was eager to follow Wade’s lead. A few others took his advice. But most bunked up like they were at boy scout camp. Confident he was ready for the morning’s festivities, he felt a sense of purpose ignite within him. This was his path forward – to become a Ranger, to serve, and ultimately, to find his way back to Kristen.

With a silent prayer of gratitude and a renewed commitment to his goals, Wade pulled his patrol cap over his face and closed his eyes. Sleep would be a precious commodity from here on out.

The Storm Breaks

At 03 hundred, Wade and Metropax’s eyes snapped open simultaneously as a cacophony of metal against metal shattered the pre-dawn silence. They were on their feet before the trash can finished its thunderous journey down the center aisle. This was the start of what would be the most grueling week of many Rangers’ lives.

Chaos erupted as Ranger Instructors (RIs) burst into the barracks, their voices a tempest of commands and reprimands. “Get out! Get on the street now!” they bellowed, leaving no room for hesitation or questions.

“Stay close Metro.” Wade muttered as they moved through the chaos. The buddy system was already proving its worth – while other Rangers stumbled alone in confusion, Wade and Metropax quickly navigated their way through the maelstrom and found their positions in formation.

There was no time for niceties. Students were shoved, pushed, and herded out onto the street, many still in various states of undress. Some stood at attention with nothing on but their underwear. The formation that assembled outside was a far cry from military precision – a motley crew of disheveled, disoriented individuals struggling to find their assigned positions.

At the head of this chaotic assembly stood a lone RI, his face a mask of disgust as he berated the student company commander. “What in the name of all that’s holy is this?!” he roared, gesturing at the disarray before him. “You call this a formation? I’ve seen better organization on a kindergarten playground!”

As if summoned by the commotion, more RIs materialized, descending upon the platoon and squad leaders like wolves on wounded prey. Their voices joined the cacophony, a symphony of criticism and demands for perfection.

Within moments, it seemed as though the entire cadre of RIs had engulfed the formation. They moved through the ranks like sharks scenting blood in the water, their keen eyes missing nothing. Every uniform infraction, every flicker of defiance or confusion in a Ranger’s eyes became grounds for punishment.

“Drop and give me twenty!” became the refrain of the morning, punctuated by the rhythmic counting of push-ups and the labored breathing of Rangers struggling through flutter kicks.

A short, stocky RI materialized before them, eyes scanning the ranger buddies with predatory intensity. “Well, well… Smith and Metropax. The dynamic duo.” His coffee-scented breath washed over them as he searched for deficiencies. Finding none, he moved on, but not before growling, “Don’t get comfortable, studs. There’s plenty of time to royally mess up.”

Wade blinked and the RI was on to the next victim. He knew it was only a matter of time before the RIs found something to harass him for. This was merely the opening salvo of “City Week,” the crucible designed to separate the wheat from the chaff.

For the next seven days, the concept of “civilization” would be twisted into an exquisite form of torment. It was boot camp on steroids – a gauntlet designed with one primary purpose: to make Ranger students quit.

Wade steeled himself for what was to come. Right now, he stood in the eye of the storm because he was prepared. But he knew the winds would eventually circle around for him. You can’t prepare for everything. He knew the statistics – only 40% would survive this first week. But he also knew something else, something that burned in his chest with an intensity that matched the rising sun.

He had a promise to trust and a promise to keep.

The storm of City Week had broken, and Wade Kovacs – now Ranger Smith – stood ready to weather it, come what may. His ranger buddy was a quick study and followed Wade’s cue, and together they made a good team. Metropax was smart. Not just book smart either. He had a savvy about him that Wade knew he would benefit from in time.

Survival of the Fittest

“Rangers, on the command of fall out, get back in the barracks and prepare for inspection! You have 30 seconds to be standing by your bunk! Fall out!” The command was given, and as one, the students surged towards the barracks. Inside, chaos erupted as dozens of students were cornered by RIs, forced to sign negative spot reports for infractions both real and imagined.

“Ranger Smith!” An RI’s voice cut through the commotion. “Your bunk has a thread hanging from it! Sign here.” Wade knew it was just a matter of time. The RI wrote on the top of the card, “Ranger James Smith, Roster number 47.” Wade felt an urge to correct the Sergeant but immediately recognized that would be a big mistake in two ways. First, it was his new name and second, you never correct an RI.

Ranger Smith gritted his teeth but complied, knowing each signature was a strike against his chances of completing the course.

Back in formation, the group stood ready for PT. The air was thick with anticipation and the acrid smell of nervous sweat. As calisthenics began, Ranger Smith pushed through the burn in his muscles; he’d been here before. Reminiscent of boot camp.

The confidence course loomed ahead, a gauntlet of twelve obstacles designed to break body and spirit. Wade and Metropax tackled each obstacle in tandem. At the Worm Pit, each one in adjacent lanes next to each other, they prepared to negotiate the obstacle. The Worm Pit was a slimy mix of mud, sawdust, and some unidentified substance that made it reek to high heaven.

Wade took a deep breath, steeling himself before plunging in. The stench was overwhelming, threatening to gag him as he inched forward. The back pocket of his trousers caught on the barbed wire, and for a heart-stopping moment, he thought he might be stuck.

“Move it, Smith! And get your fourth point of contact out of the air! You want to get your butt shot off?” an RI bellowed. “Or do you have parts to spare?” The RI obviously making a snide remark referencing his prosthetic.

Gritting his teeth, Ranger Smith wrenched his pants free and pressed on. He emerged on the other side, gasping and covered in muck, only to hear the dreaded command:

“Not good enough! Do it again!”

Three more times, Rangers Smith and Metropax navigated the Worm Pit before finally satisfying the RI’s exacting standards. Wade was embarrassed that he had let his ranger buddy down, but Metropax took it all in stride. Each obstacle that followed brought its own unique brand of misery, but both Rangers tackled them all with grim determination.

The five-mile run that followed was a study in controlled agony. Ranger Smith focused on the back of the runner in front of him, knowing that falling more than two steps behind meant failure. His lungs burned, his legs screamed for relief, but he pushed on, the mantra “Never Quit!” echoing with each footfall. Both Wade and Metropax, side by side, matched stride for stride, subtly adjusting their pace to stay together while maintaining formation standards.

Beside him, a fellow student stumbled, falling out of formation. “Get on the truck, Ranger!” an RI screamed. The “No Go Truck” drove slowly behind the formation, loading student after student who could not keep up the grueling pace. Ranger Smith spared a moment of sympathy for his fallen comrade but kept his eyes forward. There would be time for camaraderie later; now was the time for survival.

Breakfast in the mess hall was a cruel joke. Platters of gourmet food tantalized the famished students, but there was no time to savor it. RIs stalked the aisles, their voices a constant barrage of urgency and intimidation.

“Hurry up, Studs! Woof it down! We got some bugs that need killin’ and your chow is slowin’ me down!”

Ranger Smith shoveled food into his mouth mechanically, barely tasting it. Across the table, he saw a student attempt to pocket a roll. The RI’s response was swift and merciless.

“Thinking of saving that for later, sunshine? Get down and give me fifty push-ups! Sign this major unsat spot report. Now get out of my sight!”

The day continued in a brutal parade of challenges. Marine Martial Arts training left them battered and bruised. Classes on antique weapons and explosives tested their mental acuity when their bodies screamed for rest. The principles of patrolling, drilled into their heads with relentless repetition, were adhered to with almost religious fervor.

As 2100 hours approached, Ranger Smith felt a glimmer of relief. Showers and bed beckoned, promising a brief respite from the day’s torments. But even as he stood under the lukewarm spray, scrubbing away layers of grime and sweat, he knew tomorrow would bring more of the same.

Lying in his bunk that night, every muscle aching, Wade closed his eyes and saw Kristen’s face. He remembered their last moments together, the feel of her in his arms, the warmth of her smile. It seemed a lifetime ago, but the memory gave him strength.

He prayed quietly to himself, “Father, you have a plan and I have Your promise. I will stay the course. Give me strength and protect me from all that could go wrong. I believe You’re right here with me every step of the way. And Lord…please be with Kristen and give her faith in You and in me.” Sleep claimed Wade as “Ranger Smith” could be set aside until tomorrow.

Rugged Resilience

As Ranger Smith acclimated to Ranger School’s brutal routine, he marveled at its anachronistic nature. Despite being 350 years in the future, the Marine Corps had steadfastly preserved the training methods of the late 20th century. This dedication to tradition was both a point of pride and a constant challenge.

The school’s history resonated through every aspect of training. Founded in 1951 during the Korean War, it had always emphasized leadership development over pure tactical proficiency. This philosophy endured, with instructors pushing students to their limits to forge resilient leaders.

During patrolling tactics classes, Smith found himself transported to another era. The instructors used terminology that seemed pulled directly from 1980s field manuals. Despite centuries of technological advancement, the fundamentals of small-unit tactics remained surprisingly relevant.

One morning, Wade had finished personal hygiene with ten precious minutes before formation. Rather than being idle, he spotted a manual push mower against the barracks and began trimming scattered grass between pine needles and bare ground.

An RI approached, barking, “Ranger! What on earth are you doing?”

Wade’s mind scrambled. “Mowing the grass, Sergeant!”

“Well, there’s some grass that needs attention, but mostly you’re mowing dirt. Sign here, Ranger.”

Wade’s face fell as he withdrew his antiquated government-issue pen, expecting the worst. To his surprise, it was a major positive spot report, nullifying his previous negative.

“Good initiative, Ranger,” the RI growled. “Keep it up, Smith!”

Wade replaced the mower and double-timed to formation.

At chow, another lavish meal awaited them. They salivated at the prospect of even a small taste before being rushed out. Their last meal using tables and chairs was behind them.

The Ranger First Sergeant waited outside the D-FAC, bellowing, “Since you Rangers think you’re on a cruise ship taking your sweet time, rules have changed! File in the front, out the back. Whatever you eat on the way is yours, but you will not sit, stop, or even blink in my mess hall! Is that clear?”

Rangers filed past servers, grabbing food with their hands – no time for utensils. They gorged themselves, cramming their cheeks full before reaching the exit. Wade managed a decent amount, with just a banana remaining. Peeling it while holding a tray proved challenging, but he stuffed the whole thing in his mouth at the cleaning station.

Still struggling to swallow, he faced an RI at the exit. “What’s in your mouth, Ranger?”

Wade could only mumble, “Nana?”

“Drop and give me fifty, Ranger Smith!”

Wade and Metropax immediately dropped into the prone and started knocking out push-ups.

The RI continued, “And I’ve got something for you to sign when you finish choking that down.”

Once again, Wade was back in the negative and was the reason for his buddy’s pain.

As they finished their push-ups, Wade signed the spot report and they were off toward the barracks at a double time.

“Sorry about that Metro… my bad,” Wade growled apologetically.

“Don’t even think about it, Smith. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have made it past the first day. Nothing but a thing… and for all practical purposes, ‘City Week’ is done. On to Camp Darby,” Metropax said energetically.

“For the first phase of patrolling!” Wade finished. Both of them headed into the barracks and checked their gear one final time.

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Kingdom Kernel #5 – The Multiplicative Mission of the King

Isaiah 9:1-7 & Jeremiah 23:1-8 – The Multiplicative Nature of God’s Kingdom: A Prophetic and Christological Exploration

Introduction

The concept of the multiplicative nature of the Kingdom of God is a profound theme woven throughout Scripture, revealing the expansive and transformative power of God’s reign. This essay will analyze this concept, focusing on the word “multiply” in the context of Isaiah 9:1-7 and Jeremiah 23:1-8, while using Jesus as the perfect example to follow.

Etymological Analysis

In Hebrew, the word for “multiply” is רָבָה (rabah – Strong’s H7235), which means to increase, become numerous, or grow. This term appears in Isaiah 9:7, where it is prophesied that “of the increase (מִרְבֵּה, mirbeh- Strong’s H4766) of his government and of peace there will be no end.” The root word carries connotations of abundance, expansion, and fruitfulness, all of which are central to understanding the nature of God’s kingdom.

Theological Significance

Biblical Foundation

The concept of multiplication is foundational to God’s interaction with humanity. In Genesis 1:22,28, God’s first command to living creatures and humans is to “be fruitful and multiply.” This command is reiterated to Noah and his sons after the flood (Genesis 9:1,7), establishing multiplication as a divine mandate for creation.

Covenant Promises

God’s covenant with Abraham further emphasizes this theme. In Genesis 17:2,6, God promises to multiply Abraham exceedingly and make him fruitful. This promise becomes a cornerstone of Israel’s identity, as seen when Moses reminds God of His promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants (Exodus 32:13).

Isaiah 9:1-7

This passage presents a powerful prophecy of the coming Messiah who will bring light to those in darkness and increase the nation’s joy. The prophecy culminates in the promise of an eternal kingdom established and upheld with justice and righteousness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, bringing light to the world (John 8:12) and establishing a kingdom that continually expands.

Jeremiah 23:1-8

This text further illustrates the multiplicative concept, promising a righteous Branch from David’s line who will reign wisely and execute justice. This Messianic figure, identified as Jesus, will gather the remnant of God’s flock and cause them to be fruitful and multiply (Jeremiah 23:3). This multiplication is not just in number but in righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Jesus as the Perfect Example

Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God’s kingdom, exemplifies this multiplicative nature throughout His ministry. He begins with twelve disciples but ultimately commands them to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), initiating a process of exponential growth. This multiplication is not merely numerical but encompasses spiritual transformation and the spread of God’s reign.

The multiplicative nature of God’s kingdom is evident in Jesus’ parables and actions. In the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), Jesus describes the kingdom starting small but growing into something vast and life-sustaining. Similarly, the parable of the yeast (Matthew 13:33) illustrates how the kingdom’s influence permeates and transforms society. Jesus demonstrates divine multiplication in action by feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:16), a physical manifestation of God’s ability to multiply resources beyond human expectation.

Divine Attributes and Redemptive Plan

This concept reveals God’s desire for His reign to extend to all aspects of creation. It demonstrates His redemptive plan to restore and multiply what was lost through sin. The multiplicative nature of the kingdom points to Christ’s eternal reign, which will continue to expand in influence and power throughout eternity. This is further illustrated in Ezekiel 36:10-11, where God declares He will multiply people and animals on the land of Israel, symbolizing the restoration and growth of His kingdom.

Implications for Believers

For believers today, understanding this concept transforms our perspective on kingdom work. It encourages us to see our small acts of faithfulness as seeds of exponential growth in God’s hands. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-21) illustrates spiritual multiplication through faithful stewardship, challenging believers to actively participate in the kingdom’s expansion. We are called to recognize that our efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can have far-reaching effects.

Conclusion

The multiplicative nature of God’s kingdom, exemplified perfectly in Jesus, reveals a dynamic, ever-expanding reign that transforms individuals, communities, and ultimately the entire creation. It calls us to embrace our role in this divine multiplication, trusting that God can use our faithful obedience to produce abundant fruit for His kingdom. This concept illuminates Jesus’ kingship and the expansive, eternal nature of God’s kingdom, offering both scholarly insight and inspirational truth for contemporary Christian understanding.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

The Mission to Multiply

The mess hall buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, but in a quiet corner, Sergeant First Class Hernandez and Lieutenant Banks sat engrossed in conversation. Their trays of food lay half-forgotten as they leaned in, discussing matters far beyond the day’s training schedule.

“So, LT, what’s on your mind today?” SFC Hernandez asked, noticing the thoughtful expression on his young platoon leader’s face.

Lieutenant Banks hesitated, then spoke. “Sergeant, I was reading Jeremiah 23 and Matthew 28 this morning. There’s something about God wanting to multiply His followers that’s got me thinking.”

Hernandez nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Ah, you’ve stumbled upon the Great Commission, sir. It’s the heart of what we’re called to do as believers.”

“The Great Commission?” Banks furrowed his brow. “I’ve heard that term, but I’m not sure I fully grasp it.”

Hernandez leaned back, his eyes alight with passion. “It’s simple, yet profound, sir. Jesus, after His resurrection, gave us a mission. He said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”

Banks nodded slowly, absorbing the words. “So it’s about spreading the faith?”

“It’s more than that, sir. It’s about multiplication. Think of it like our military strategy. We don’t just want to hold ground; we want to expand our influence, right?”

“Right,” Banks agreed.

“Well, the Great Commission is God’s strategy for expanding His kingdom. It’s not just about converting people; it’s about making disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples. It’s exponential growth.”

Banks’ eyes widened with understanding. “Like a chain reaction.”

“Exactly, sir. And here’s the kicker – this isn’t a new idea. It goes all the way back to God’s promise to Abraham that all peoples on Earth would be blessed through him. The Great Commission is the fulfillment of that ancient promise.”

Banks leaned forward, his food completely forgotten now. “So how do we do this, Sergeant? How do we fulfill this Commission?”

Hernandez smiled warmly. “Sir, we’ve been doing it since the day we met. Remember when I first shared my faith with you? That was the Great Commission in action. And now, look at you, diving into Scripture, asking questions, growing in your faith. That’s discipleship.”

Banks sat back, a look of awe on his face. “I never thought of it that way. You’ve been living this out all along, haven’t you?”

“You caught me with my hand in the cookie jar, sir!” They both laughed. “It’s our mission and it’s not always easy, but it’s what we’re called to do. Just like we train our soldiers to be leaders who can train others, we’re called to be disciples who make disciples.”

“It’s a big responsibility,” Banks mused.

“It is,” Hernandez agreed. “But remember, Jesus said He has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He promised to be with us always. We’re not doing this alone.”

As they finished their lunch, Banks looked at Hernandez with newfound respect. “Thank you, Sergeant. For living this out, for showing me what it means to follow Christ. I want to be like that – like Jesus, multiplying His love and truth wherever I go.”

Hernandez nodded, his eyes shining. “That’s the goal, sir. To become more like Jesus every day, and to help others do the same. That’s the heart of the Great Commission.”

As they stood to leave, both men felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their mission as soldiers took on a deeper meaning, intertwined with a greater calling – to be part of God’s multiplicative kingdom, spreading His love and truth to all nations, starting right here in their own platoon.

From the Bottom of My Heart? – #104

ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of Matthew and Mark to see some of Jesus’ views of the heart.

So let’s get started.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

Matthew 15:10–20, Mark 7:14–23

Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

After Jesus had left the crowd and gone into the house, His disciples inquired about the parable. They said, “Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” Jesus asked “Are you still so dull? Do you still not understand? Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him, because it does not enter his heart, but it goes into the stomach and then is eliminated.” (Thus all foods are clean.) He continued: “What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”