Laying Everything on the Line
Michael Monsoor always dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL, one the most elite, top-secret military units of the United States. To become one, Monsoor had to go through a 25-week grueling training, one of the most punishing programs in the military. Observers actually christened it hazing. In fact, the dropout rate is more than 50%. But Monsoor had to quit when he first went through the training due to a broken heel. Yet that did not deter him. He worked out for two more years then reentered the training. This time he passed. According to his family, when he finally graduated, “It was his proudest moment.”
In an encounter last May in Iraq, despite heavy fire from the enemy, Monsoor with another SEAL pulled an injured team member to safety. He got a Silver Star for his courage. Then last September, Monsoor with his team was providing sniper security in a mission. A rebel threw a grenade into their position. According to an Associated Press report, it hit Monsoor on the chest then it bounced on the floor. To save his team, he threw himself on top of the grenade. One of his companions said, “He never took his eye off the grenade. His only movement was down toward it.” Though two other SEALs were injured, Monsoor’s selfless sacrifice saved all of his team. He laid everything on the line.
There’s Another who laid His life on the line, the Lord Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, NIV) His selfless, sacrificial death on the cross made salvation available to all of us. However, we need to avail of it through faith in Christ alone. He declared, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” (John 6:47) He never took His eye off us. His only movement was down toward us.
Thus, we also need to lay ourselves on the line. People have to hear the Good News. Again, I invite you to participate in the My Hope Philippines this coming December. All we have to do is open our homes to our friends and relatives for them to hear the Gospel through the special evangelistic TV program of Evangelists Billy and Franklin Graham.
Brethren, let us lay our lives on the line for our Lord who laid His for us.
In an encounter last May in Iraq, despite heavy fire from the enemy, Monsoor with another SEAL pulled an injured team member to safety. He got a Silver Star for his courage. Then last September, Monsoor with his team was providing sniper security in a mission. A rebel threw a grenade into their position. According to an Associated Press report, it hit Monsoor on the chest then it bounced on the floor. To save his team, he threw himself on top of the grenade. One of his companions said, “He never took his eye off the grenade. His only movement was down toward it.” Though two other SEALs were injured, Monsoor’s selfless sacrifice saved all of his team. He laid everything on the line.
There’s Another who laid His life on the line, the Lord Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, NIV) His selfless, sacrificial death on the cross made salvation available to all of us. However, we need to avail of it through faith in Christ alone. He declared, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” (John 6:47) He never took His eye off us. His only movement was down toward us.
Thus, we also need to lay ourselves on the line. People have to hear the Good News. Again, I invite you to participate in the My Hope Philippines this coming December. All we have to do is open our homes to our friends and relatives for them to hear the Gospel through the special evangelistic TV program of Evangelists Billy and Franklin Graham.
Brethren, let us lay our lives on the line for our Lord who laid His for us.
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