No One Left Behind.

Today I’m going to quote from the “Message” written by Eugene Peterson. The Message is a personal paraphrase of the Bible in English by Pastor Peterson from the original languages. There were 20 Translation Consultants. Pastor Peterson said this is what he did all the time he was a Pastor and Bible Scholar. Taking Difficult passages and making them simple to understand. He also said the “Message” wasn't a study Bible but a reading Bible to enjoy. It is a paraphrase Bible. (Pastor Peterson used his own words as he interpreted from the original languages.)

1 Timothy 2 (MSG)

4 He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned

This goes along with out Scripture Text today:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG)

11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.

We hear the mantra of “No Man left behind” (referring to both men a women) coming from the Military. But the left behind principle has more to do with those living. Although it does pertain to those that are MIA (Missing in Action). The “No Man left Behind” is seen as ---no matter the cost--- that no stone will be left un-turned to get them home if they fall into enemy hands or fall in battle. This is one promise that spurs soldiers to fight even harder for their country.

One of the most dangerous—and revered—missions of the Vietnam War was the U.S. attempt to rescue 65 American POWs held at North Vietnam’s notorious SonTay prison. A 116 plane air unit, composed of fighters, gunships and helicopters, flew hundreds of miles over mountainous territory at treetop level to the prison camp—just 23 miles from Hanoi, then one of the most heavily defended areas in North Vietnam.

As the assault force attacked the camp during a hard fought battle—killing more than 100 North Vietnamese guards in the process—the raiders discovered that the prisoners had been moved, and they were forced to return empty-handed. Yet when the POWS learned of the attempt, morale soared. According to one report, the POWs no longer felt abandoned or forgotten. Though unsuccessful, the raid illustrates the kind of extraordinary effort those serving expect their nation to make for them.

(Read these and if God's Spirit leads you say something or explain the Verse)

Psalm 82:4

4 Your job is to stand up for the powerless, and prosecute all those who exploit them."

Romans 11:14

14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.

1 Corinthians 9:22

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

Jude 1:23

23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Psalm 68:20

20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

Proverbs 24:11

11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Jeremiah 22:3

3 This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

Luke 13 1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?  5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

The Narrow Door

Luke 13: 22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.