Bring out the big gun…

I always enjoyed chatting with Jack.  He was good for a laugh and many a story.  I met Jack in the final chapter of his life in a residential aged care facility.

He often spoke of his role in the Australian Navy in World War II.  I need to say some of the stories were less than encouraging!  Out of necessity, merchant vessels and their captains were often recruited into service.  They would put a rather large gun on the deck, add some naval recruits, and off they would go into war.

On one occasion Jack’s vessel was sailing up a river somewhere in the Indonesian archipelago.  Apparently, it was the wrong river.  Someone hidden in the trees along the shore began flashing their light in Morse Code to warn the captain.  Unfortunately 18 year old Jack was the only person on board who knew Morse Code. And he was downstairs in the engine room!  Not for long.

On another occasion, they realised they had never fired the rather large gun.  Let’s test it.  With much excitement and expectation from all, they watched as the projectile unceremoniously plonked into the sea about ten metres from the boat.  I’m not convinced they were very well prepared for battle!

How about us?  Are we prepared for the battles of life?  Jack was a man of Christian faith.  He knew the importance of having powerful spiritual defence and artillery.  He knew the value of reading the ‘signals’, even if others couldn’t.  He knew the value of trusting his team, and even more so trusting his Captain.  His Captain is often quoted as suggesting we put on the full armour of God: truth, righteousness, good news, faith, the sword of the Spirit, and prayer.

Our biggest battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of chaos.  It’s amazing how peaceful life can be when we are well equipped.