Spiritual Navy SEALs

In June 2018, twelve boys from a Thai soccer team and their coach became trapped in the Tham Luang cave after heavy rains flooded the passageways. The cave had narrow, winding passages, steep inclines, and areas that were completely submerged in water. The boys were stuck approximately 4 kilometers from the main entrance, and remained trapped deep inside the cave for 18 days before a daring international rescue mission was launched. Expert cave divers from around the world, along with Thai Navy SEALs, worked tirelessly to bring all 13 individuals out safely.

The miraculous rescue, which involved sedating each boy with a mild anesthetic to keep them calm during the perilous journey, took three days. The bravery and coordination of the rescuers were hailed as extraordinary, and the successful operation became an incredible story of rescue and perseverance.

I remember watching the film version of this incredible journey, in awe of the courage and determination of the 12 boys and their coach who fought to survive those agonizing days inside the cave. But then I started thinking about the brave Navy SEALs, who entered the cave knowing they may never make it out, all to rescue those trapped.

And while we may never be in a scenario where we might need to rescue someone’s life physically as the Thai Navy SEALs did, according to the scriptures, each of us have a responsibility to rescue those that are perishing spiritually around us.

As we heard this weekend, Jude 22 says, “And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire.” We are all called to be spiritual Navy SEALs, on a rescue mission of mercy and salvation, snatching those around us from the fire!

Qualities of a Spiritual Navy SEAL

Navy SEALs undergo grueling training, pushing beyond their limits to acquire the ability to operate in extreme conditions and under intense pressure. This preparation makes them ready to rescue those in danger. In the same way, there are certain spiritual skills we need to develop to carry out our spiritual rescue mission.

Urgency

In Jude 22, the Greek word for “snatch” is harpazo, which means to seize or carry away. It denotes a sense of urgency, like a parent seizing their child before imminent danger, such as an oncoming car. The Thai Navy SEALs operated with urgency, knowing they had to reach the boys before they ran out of air deep in the caves. We are to have the same urgency for the lost around us.

I remember during Coastal Church’s 30th Anniversary earlier this month, our one-year-old daughter, Piper, somehow escaped our sight and raced toward a steep escalator. I couldn’t reach her in time, and everyone around us paused in shock, knowing that we were all powerless to stop. Thankfully, my oldest daughter, London, was able to seize Piper by the arm just before she jumped on.

The sense of relief for her safety and gratitude for London snatching her is the way Father God feels when one of his children rescues someone from perishing.

Sacrifice

Thai Navy SEALs navigated treacherous, flooded cave passages, battling low oxygen levels, zero visibility, and strong currents to rescue the soccer team. They faced exhaustion, danger, and the real possibility of not returning. Yet they pressed on, sacrificing their own safety and comfort. Tragically, one SEAL, Saman Gunan, lost his life while transporting oxygen tanks.

As spiritual Navy SEALs, we must be ready to navigate various “caves” of our own—caves of resistance, spiritual opposition, and discomfort. We are called to sacrifice for the sake of those who are lost. Romans 12:1 (NIV) says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Teamwork

The rescue team in Thailand consisted of Navy SEALs, cave divers, engineers, and medical professionals from around the world. Each team member had a specific role to play. Divers from the UK led certain parts of the mission because of their expertise, medical teams stood ready to give aid, and others worked to pump out water to lower the cave levels.

Romans 12:4-6 speaks to the importance of teamwork in spiritual rescue: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”

That is why we have SERVE teams; to work together to save the perishing. That is why we have Lifegroups; for encouraging and building up one another so we can save those that are perishing. That is why we have Alpha; so we can learn and grow in our faith and to have a place where we can bring those that are perishing. That is why we Coastal School of Missions; so we can be trained to GO! into the world and rescue those that are perishing.

Each of us is called to be a spiritual Navy SEAL. Will you answer the call?