Flying Together

One of the highlights from our recent family vacation to the North Shore was the Duluth air show. The theme was taken from the personal experience of the air show president. He had just buried a dear relative, who was a World War II veteran. He then did some research and found that roughly 1500 veterans of WWII pass on every day. This experience gave birth to the idea of an air show giving tribute to the generations that have gone before us. Intentional elements were incorporated throughout the presentation to tell the story and celebrate the faithfulness of these heroes. Particularly moving was the Pearl Harbor tribute Tora! Tora!with six vintage Japanese Zero fighters.

Above all else, one scene captured my attention. In one segment they featured a plane for several generations of flight. It started with a special fighter from WWII, the P-38 Lightning. This was joined by an iconic jet from the Vietnam era, the F-4 Phantom.  After the Phantom finished its demonstration, it pulled into perfect formation behind and beside the P-38. Then an F-15 Strike Eagle performed many breathtaking maneuvers and, as it finished, pulled into formation with the P-38 and F-4.  I was so impacted by the scene. Apparently it is an occupational hazard for pastors that we see illustrations everywhere. I confess I immediately realized what a powerful picture this was as I considered what it took to pull that off.

Regardless of their varied individual capabilities, the three generations were committed to reach their goal together. I was impressed by the idea of three generations working in close connection to advance their shared mission. The “Generations” theme was clear in that it was and is the same mission for each fighter who was faithful in its time. I was also amazed at their ability to all travel the exact same speed. One mile per hour difference in either direction would have meant disaster. The P-38 was full throttle, while the F-15 was only going about 30% of its max speed. But that wasn’t the point – the point was they were going 300 mph together just feet off another’s wing.

You can imagine how my mind turned to the church. I saw in that picture a representation of three generations working together – flying together in close formation, committed to the same mission – each being faithful in his own time and way. As we wrap up the summer and move into the fall, won’t you accept the invitation to fly together? We all may likely have to make some adjustments in order to keep in unified formation. Some may have to slow down, while others perhaps need to speed up. Maybe some are used to flying solo and the idea of flying together presents challenges.

Our task is so much bigger than the air show – God has called us to proclaim the Good News of His transforming truth through our lives being changed by Christ. We are His ambassadors sent in to a dark and dying world with a marvelous light. The Church is God’s plan for changing this world as we proclaim the mysteries and the manifold wisdom of Christ. The task is so large...so let’s fly together.

Kevin Barnhart

Lead Pastor