"Its not about the politics, it's just caring for the man next to you." This is the essence of why U.S. Army Rangers endured the sheer hell of the 1993 Mogadishu conflict in Somalia. This is a story of courage and sacrifice. It was Pres. Bush Snr.'s response to genocide. The hit movie Black Hawk Down is about their impossible mission. They engaged the rag tag army of the African warlord Mohamed Aidid. The entire city became their battlefield.
One minute his hands were at the controls of a sleek military chopper the next they were cut and bleeding in the ruins of a missile-downed, crumpled Black Hawk. With dead comrades around him pilot Mike Durant heard the shouts of the advancing enemy. Help arrived hours later. Two superbly trained soldiers, Delta snipers Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart came to his aid. Have you been alone, threatened and yet heartened by help from unexpected sources?
Mike asked, "Where's the rescue squad?" "We are it!" was the curt reply. The ensuing firefight was fierce. The odds were overwhelming, but the two riflemen were deadly accurate. Almost every shot counts and they made them do so. Someone has endured bitter warfare for your salvation: Jesus waged hand to hand combat with baying crowds, treacherous politicians, demons and religious hypocrisy. They were bent on His destruction. His message of love was viciously resisted with jeers, blows, whips and the nails of a cross. He took a spear in His side for you.
When bullets zip by your foxhole combat shrinks your world. At the same time your senses rise to high levels of awareness. The battle at the crash site was up close and very fierce. The odds were too great. The two lay down their lives for the pilot. Jesus laid down His life for a wounded race. The angry crowd ripped the clothes from the dead heroes and dragged them humiliatingly through the streets. God hanging naked upon a Roman gallows paid for your eternal life. With bruised cheek and broken lips he spoke the words "it is finished" as blood blinded his eyes.
You might feel yourself trapped in the wreckage of a life that was meant to soar in flight. Are the things that you aspired to carry you high in success now littered about you in useless mangled parts? Perhaps you feel so alone and hear the shouts of the advancing hoards seeking your end.
Jesus is the best Friend there is. He descended from the throne of heaven by a human umbilical cord. He came to our dusty streets of human poverty, greed and hate. You might be wounded now - but He laid down his life for your freedom. Like that downed pilot you might be a prisoner of the circumstances of your world. You could be powerless to change what's happened to you - but His life was surrendered on Calvary for your liberation.
Many who survived the 2-day blood bath in the ancient African city wear black bracelets with the names of fallen comrades inscribed. They refuse to forget the price paid. There's a black bound book with the name of your Savior in it. Open the Bible again today. Learn what eternal life cost the Son of God.
"You're on your own now" are the last words Durant heard from his would-be rescuers - Jesus never leaves a believer on their own. He's as near as a prayer away right now. Get serious. Call for His help.