A good television show is hard to find now a days. Finding a show that has a good plot, good actors, and clean content is challenging. You can find shows with the same plot as seven others, but to find one that is unique is quite arduous. In the world of reality shows, CSI, Law and Order, and various hospital shows it is difficult to find a show that can rise above. Especially when you watch TV from the “old rabbit ears” and receive only a few channels. We have often been reminded lately that we are behind the times in terms of our television viewing by the DTV commercials. But I have found one show whose plot leaves all others in the dust. It is in its seventh season and is always much anticipated by America. The plot? The action-packed events of just one day in the life of our American government. All that’s needed is 24 hours of material and the most vital of all people: Jack Bauer. If you haven’t figured it out already, the show I am talking about is 24. Jack Bauer is an American hero. He served in the military and continues to serve his country in various ways, including being part of the Counter Terrorism Unit. Even though CTU has been disbanded for some of its harsh terrorist interrogation tactics, it still lives on through Bill Buchanan, Chloe O’Brian, Tony Almeida, and Jack Bauer. With no ties to the corrupt government, the new CTU is trying to stop domestic terrorists from working with the African warlords and destroying the infrastructure of the United States.
Jack Bauer can do anything. He is truly a hero. In fact, Dwight Schrute looks to Bauer as a mentor. So if Dwight can learn from Jack, what can we learn from him? Well let’s begin: With the proper intel, we can break into or out of any place needed. For example, Bauer broke out of FBI headquarters after Chloe hacked into the surveillance system and discovered where the guards were stationed. So what can we take from this first lesson? Well, where do you think that we as Christians can find the proper intel? The Bible. The Scriptures have all kind of intel that can lead us in the right direction. There are 66 books in the Bible and all of them are full of precious intel. The first bit of intel we need to learn about is that we are a sinful and fallen people. That comes from Genesis chapter 3, the fall of man. The second important piece of intel is that God has initiated His plan. God’s plan is also unveiled in chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” He continued to unveil His plan through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through Moses and David. Of course God has shared His plan with others I have not mentioned. But God’s plan was ultimately revealed in Christ Jesus. Romans has a lot of intel, including 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And in Romans 6:23 we learn “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” When we have the proper intel, we find our way to Christ Jesus and to eternal life through Him.
What else can we learn from our friend Jack? Here is lesson number two: When we are properly armed, there is no force too big to reckon with. How can we arm ourselves as Christians? Well, that is pretty easy. Let’s look at Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV): 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
We arm ourselves not with earthly weapons, but with spiritual weapons because our enemy is not of this world. We need to take the intel and use that to decide what kind of weapons and tactics we need to use to defeat our enemy. Just like Jack can decide what to do in seconds, we must know the Word to be able to counter any attack that Satan will throw against us.
On final thing we can learn from Jack is that life is short, so do the most you can. After all, it only takes 24 hours to single-handedly save the world from disaster. We do not know how long we have on this earth. We need to make the most of it. Make sure you have and are nurturing a relationship with Jesus. Take opportunities to share the Gospel with others. Come before God with a sincere attitude. Be confident in who you are through Christ.
We are saved by the grace of God through His Son Christ Jesus. It is only by His mercy and grace that we can come before Him as unblemished. We need to walk through this life here on earth with that confidence. We need to share that with others so we can help save those who are lost. Just like Jack Bauer sacrifices all for his country, we need to sacrifice all for the Lord Jesus Christ.
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