Heros; Then There is The Hero
We love to hear and see stories of heroes. It is encouraging, heart-warming and
holds up a powerful example for our children. Courage takes over in unselfish
impulses to save helpless victims out of danger, to go beyond ordinary responses
and do what is self-forgetful. Movies are still made today to tell the stories
of heroes.
I like the story of Cpt. “Sully” Sullenberger, who “landed” his airplane in the
Hudson River. Because of his calm execution of skill and training, the downed
airplane yielded no fatalities. Captain Sullenberger has become a legendary
pilot who now speaks to other pilots about crisis management, leadership and his
book is called: "Highest Duty: My Search For What Really Matters."
Some may remember Mr. Ed Ray, the California bus driver who was hailed as a hero
in 1976, for leading 26 children to safety after they were kidnapped and buried
below ground in a truck trailer. He struggled with his own fear, yet kept the
children’s spirits up and led them to safety. Mr. Ray died earlier this year.
Firefighters and soldiers; law enforcement people and medical emergency people
are valuable to us as they put their lives at risk to help us. My son, Josh, was
a firefighter on a Navy ship in the first Gulf War; my nephew, Kyle, is a
firefighter in Wichita, Kansas. These men and women are rescuers extensively
trained primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten civilian
populations and property, and to rescue people from dangerous incidents, such as
collapsed and burning buildings. It is an increasingly complex and dangerous
risk they walk into every day. Do we appreciate them and thank God for them?
When we read these stories, watch the movies and see the video of acts of
selfless courage, we do not have before us the ultimate sacrifice or example of
courage!
“For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly.
For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good
person one would dare even to die – but God shows his love for us in that while
were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Rom. 5:6-8, ESV).
By Warren E. Berkley
The Final Page
From Expository Files 19.9; September 2012
