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I have very few all time favorite TV programs. "Walker, Texas Ranger" is one of those because one of the things Chuck Norris made sure was present on his show was a strong and positive representation of God. There were even episodes where a blatant mention of Jesus needed in a person's life for a lasting positive change was the focal point. Hard not to like that kind of program. Another one is "JAG." The title is an acronym for Judge Advocate General and dealt with the workings of the JAG Corps in the Washington D. C. area. The writing was crisp, the plots interesting and the relationships complex.

Two of my favorite characters were Admiral A. J. Chegwidden, the JAG Director, and Gunnery Sgt. Victor Galindez, Office Manager. In one episode Gunney Galindez approached Admiral Chegwidden to request a transfer to an active duty station. After granting the transfer and reflecting with the Gunney that he wished he were going with him, Admiral Chegwidden said, "Be safe, Gunney." The Gunney replied, "Until we're all safe, sir." It had nothing whatsoever to do with the two main plots in the episode, but it had everything to do with the character of the series. JAG is responsible for making sure that those who sail the seven seas in our defense do so lawfully and justly. "Until we're all safe, sir." There's a lot in that simple response.

The apostle Paul was in the process of writing to his young protege, Timothy. He had just admonished Timothy to be faithful in the preaching of the gospel and patient in the things that might threaten to thwart his efforts. Then Paul waxed melancholy. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Paul was about to be transferred.

That was pretty much the entire reason for the letter he wrote to Timothy. Paul had devoted his life to the presentation of the gospel to make sure that the world knew the Son of God, Jesus, as Savior. He had endured beatings, humiliations and even a shipwreck in the pursuit of preaching the precious message of Christ to the world he knew. It had been anything but a cakewalk. It had taken everything he had within him plus the influence of the Holy Spirit to keep Paul on the mark. He was getting older and wanted to make sure that all that he had begun and established would not suddenly collapse with his departure. He wanted the gospel to be safe; to be in safe hands which would bear it with the same passion he did.

His final comment to Timothy in this passage contains much the same content as that of the wordplay between Admiral Chegwidden and Gunney Galindez. He was letting Timothy know that he was going to be safe, but he wanted to make sure that those who come behind him are also safe. He would get his crown, but he wanted to be sure that "all those who love His appearing" would also receive theirs. Timothy's challenge? To preach the gospel until we're all safe. Each subsequent generation of the redeemed is presented with that same mantle. So I pass on to you what has been committed to me. Be safe, until we're all safe.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Witnessing In Our World