Last Man Out. To miners, it means that the crew is accounted for and the day is over. To a soldier it means the mission is accomplished and all are accounted for, safely we hope. But to first responders, it takes on a special meaning. It means the crew is accounted for, but also all the victims have been rescued safely. And to all the above, if one is missing, the whole team suffers. To the last man out.
On 9-11-2001, when cowardly terrorists flew our planes into the World Trade Center, thousands of first responders did exactly as they were trained. Only to find that no training had prepared them for the scale of this emergency. After realizing that anyone above the fire line could not be rescued, about the 86th and 93rd floors respectively, they set about to clear the remaining lower floors, even as people jumped to their death in the fireball on the floors they were on. The sound of bodies hitting the ground indescribable, those who chose death by jumping as opposed to the inferno.
And heading up the stairs and passing thousands escaping, they rushed upward valiantly, not realizing what they were facing, not realizing what the people on the upper floors were fleeing from, not knowing the enemy's attack was so devastating that in minutes the twin towers would be collapsing-know one could have predicted that. And when suddenly the south tower fell, then the north, thousands of people lost their lives, among them hundreds of first responders, losing their lives while trying to save others.
For blocks the devastation was something no FX expert could dream up. The debris covered blocks, and left anyone in its path a victim. But along with the devastation, brought an eerie silence, for where once life had been, now there was death-and lots of it. With the silence only broken by chirping-and lots of it. And sadly the firemen knew exactly what it was, and knew who it might be. The chirping sound came from a locator they all wear, so that no one be left behind, if injured, he could be found and they could rescue him, even if he was the last man out. And today many of their brother firemen, called out to them, chirping, except it was too late. For although the chirping continued, their bodies were totally destroyed in the holocaust, some never recognized by dental records even, as when the buildings fell, it pulverized them. And to the last man out, the enormous loss was felt.
As you look out among the debris that is in your life today, you may be calling out, and wondering does anyone hear me? Who is there when the doctor tells me it is cancer? Who is there when my marriage falls apart? Who will feed me, and make my mortgage, I lost my job? Does anyone hear me? Doesn't anyone care?
Jesus cares, and even shows us in the example of the 99 sheep. He goes back to get the lost one, and will not leave until the last man is out. He is with you when you are alone, and among the debris He hears your call for help. And He is patient that none should perish, such is His patience. Let Him guide you today, so the next door doesn't lead to more danger. So He can feed and clothe you. So He can rescue you from loneliness, and go through every situation with you. He hears your call, will you hear His answer?
For some 2000 years He has been the last man out. And remains behind long after you are safe and secure. Stay safe and secure in Him. Closer than a friend, he never sleeps or slumbers.
And on this 9-11 remember the heroes, and the ones who didn't get out. Get out for them, and remember their heroism, on a day that too many don't remember. And remember a person, Jesus who you can't afford to forget. Always, the last man out.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
