PrintIs That You, Lord (4)
Why would God speak to me in the imagery of a 747 aircraft with me as its Captain? Over the years I've come to see that God speaks to each of us in the 'language' which is most meaningful and appropriate to us as individuals. Look at the 'language pictures' Jesus used in His parables.
In my case, I have had a life-long interest in aircraft. For some years I held a private pilot's license. One of my sons has been an Air Force pilot. So, my 'picture' is entirelyin keeping with who I am (although I never aspired to be Captain of a 747!!)
In my last three log entries. I wrote of my dilemma as a 747 Captain of a hijacked aircraft with my nemesis being Mr. Parkinson. How to respond to this dramatic situation? There are three further options to be considered alongside the two I posed yesterday.
3. What about changed circumstances? It could be a very unwise move to act immediately and impulsively. If I just wait for a while, it may be that there will come some new possibilities that can resolve the situation. For example, in the world of medical research new medications are always emerging. What today appears virtually hopeless can tomorrow be reversed by a miracle pill. Shall I wait in hope of just such a miracle?
4. What if I try to make friends with him? He will not be expecting such an approach, that's for sure. This whole scenario might just be the setting in which we discover the power of love in a way that we never thought possible. Didn't I read somewhere in the Bible (the book of James, I believe) that we are to welcome these trials as friends, not enemies? Maybe I just have to put out the "Welcome Mat", acknowledge the presence of Mr. Parkinson in positive, upbeat terms and expect positive results.
5. While we (my passengers and crew) are held hostage by this seemingly invincible hijacker, I can be sure that the SAS is looking at a range of possibilities to end this hostage situation. If I don't act prematurely and impulsively, they will soon storm the aircraft, render the hijacker powerless and liberate us all into freedom. Such an attack would be like an Armageddon – a kind of Second Coming drama. In other words, I just wait for the SAS to deliver us or wait to die whenever it suits Mr. Parkinson.
What a range of possible responses!!The real challenge is to determine how the owner of the 747 wants me to respond. Which of the 5 possible options am I to choose. If my body is not my own, which option do I choose? I will log this next time.
