What
is a framework?
The word has meaning in architecture, art, astronomy, carpentry,
computer graphics, computer software development, construction,
engineering, law, linguistics, literature, mathematics, medicine,
music, philosophy, physics, theater ... and many more
disciplines. An illustration best defines the term in the context
of bibliology and theology.
Recently, I had the privilege to hear pastor David
McKinley interview U.S. Air Force
pilot Scott
O'Grady
during a business lunch at Prestonwood Baptist Church in
Dallas,
Texas. In 1995, Scott's F-16 fighter plane was cut in half by a
Surface-to-Air-Missle (SAM) in a U.N. "no-fly zone" enforcement mission
over Bosnia. Following a twenty-five minute descent to earth
after ejecting from a flaming cockpit at nearly 30,000 feet above sea
level, Scott was forced to scramble for cover as waiting enemy forces
encircled his location. Scott eluded enemy forces in several
harrowing incidents. He used his survival training over the next
several days to stay hidden by day and move by night. His
survival radio signalled his location to U.S. search teams.
Scott's training ultimately saved his life when he was rescued over a
week later in a heroic mission led by U.S. Marines! Scott said,
"God delivered me and my training gave me the framework required to
survive" (my paraphrase).
Most of us will
never
experience this kind of dangerous mission where our survival skills
determine the outcome. Scott's survival training became a part of
Scott O'Grady the F-16 pilot. These skills emerged on that day in
his physical reactions, his mental toughness and his spiritual
awareness that he needed God's help and protection. His training
developed in him a framework of physical, mental and technical
resources to survive his ordeal.
Have you been
brought down
by a life experience? Is the enemy in pursuit? Do you have
the skill to survive? The Bible is unmatched in its
content: a panorama of captivating and instructive historical
narrative, covenant law, letters, ancient poetry, songs, moral counsel
and wisdom. The teachable reader acquires a framework of
intellectual, practical and spiritual resources for skillful
living. God's glory is revealed in the Bible. The Bible,
however, is more than a book. It reveals the Lord who gives
eternal life (1 John). |