Daniel True
Reflecting on the story about the glass worker (Robin DeHaven) in Austin, Texas, who used his military skills and training in rescuing survivors in the burning building caused me to take another look at that and similar situations.
Probably a lot of the readers of this article have not served in the military but we who have remember the horrors of “boot training”! For weeks and weeks we endured mind and body stressing that was designed to change us from carefree teenagers to obedient, robotic objects of flesh and blood! At the time we regretted all that but it served a good purpose. By rote (repetition) methods we were instilled with automatic reactions to the tasks ahead of us.
I was fortunate in that I didn’t see combat; I was in and out of the Army between wars! However, those who have experienced combat used those retained skills that were pounded into us in training. Most would admit that, even from the apparent abuse by our drill instructors, we automatically invoked that training and that undoubtedly saved lives. Only then would you appreciate that training!
It has been 53 years since I underwent military training but I still know how to accurately shoot a gun (oops, rifle)!
One of the “golden rules” you learn in military training is that you stand the chance of being killed! Yet, you are expected to respond to your training regardless of anything else. Do your job – someone else (your “buddy”) is depending on you.
In the many re-runs on TV, most have seen the movie, “The Longest Day”, that chronicled the June invasion of Europe in 1944 (“D-Day”). Hundreds of thousands of Allied troops landed on the shores at Normandy, France. In one scene, there was a bunker that was pinning down their movement from the beach. An officer directed his men, who happened to be Combat Engineers (same as Robin DeHaven), to bring forward explosive devices to place under and destroy the bunker.
The first man brought a section of explosives, went forward a few yards, and he was struck down. The next man went forward a few more yards and he was killed. This went on, man after man being shot until finally, one man reached the target, planted the explosives, and destroyed the pill box. Then the balance of the invasion forces moved forward and we know “the rest of the story”!
Those engineers knew that they were in harm’s way, especially after seeing their team-mates, one by one, being shot right before them. But, they also knew the job they were trained to do and they knew that others were depending upon them to do their job so that the overall mission would be successful. In short, they gave their lives so that many more would be saved.
This is not limited to the military; our firemen, policemen, first-responders all, are trained to do their job. Daily, they find themselves in harm’s way but they know that when they climb out of bed. Likewise, their families are aware of the dangers of the work.
When you see one of our uniformed “protectors” at MacDonald’s (or wherever!), try going over and thanking them for their service. You will be blessed as you see a smile appearing on their faces! They’ll appreciate it as well; kinda makes them feel that what they do is valued.
Now, let’s look at another service – God’s Army. Have you enlisted yet? Have you received your training (Matt 5:1-27)? If so, you are aware of one of our “Commander’s” instructions: be willing to give your life for another. Like in any army, this is a primary rule. Now, I’m not talking about these renegade, militant religions that train their people to kill all who are not like them. I am saying that there MAY be a time when you will be confronted with a situation that presents you with a choice to be a “brother” and help him (her) even if touches on your ability to remain alive.
In the study of Revelation it describes the fact that those who are saved after the rapture of the Church and do not accept the “mark of the beast” will be found and slaughtered by the anti-Christ. However, the alternative will be to live a little longer here on earth yet be damned for eternity by the Lord! Such a choice —— I would recommend martyrdom!
In any case, God’s Army is the one to enlist in – He’s tough, demands a lot of loyalty, but He loves you – and HE WINS!!
See you in the rapture!
