On Sending Your Son on a Mission

2LT Colin Sexton, newly minted as an Engineer Officer in the U.S. Army,  stood before our congregation last Lord's Day to be under-girded by their prayers, knowing that he would depart  the next morning for an extended overseas mission. His mother and I knew in our hearts that this day would come. That he would be reporting to his first operational assignment after extensive training as an ROTC graduate at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and completion of his Engineer Officer Basic Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

There was a much more foundational preparation which began upon his birth into a covenant family and his baptism, whereby God's promises were claimed on his behalf. His godly mother devoted herself to home educate him thereby shaping his Christian worldview. We rejoiced at the moment when as a youngster he gave his heart to Jesus and thanked Him for dying in his place. We are grateful for the lively days of sibling interaction and the way God used Ryan, Ian and Sara to shape his sense of himself and his deep compassion for others. The Owl, the Fox and the Fawn tussled and encouraged and forgave and confronted the Bear. We were blessed to witness his forthright manner and blunt persona tempered by grace. We firmly believe that when leading his SOULdiers he will ever have their whole welfare in mind including their spiritual growth. His will be an exacting standard as he trains them to be tactically and technically proficient in their warrior tasks and drills.

He wisely chose to sit at the feet of his non-commissioned officers knowing that they are the experts at SOULdier development, serving as the backbone of the Army. He preferred a humbling stance necessary to be mentored by these gristled and battle-proven leaders; rather than to hang out with his fellow officers; many who love too much their elevated status in the Army institution.

As we said good-bye at Reagan National Airport this morning, we could see the set of his eyes, the squaring of his jaw, taut muscles managing his baggage. We knew that we would not see him for at least a year. There were understandable tears, vintage Sexton banter and a quietly treasured pride as we released him to do what he knows in his heart God has called him do. He is a Christian man shaped by the Gospel in family and covenant community reaching out to embrace the mission of serving His Lord and his country as a SOULdier and LEADer.

How like his Saviour and Lord who from eternity past, embraced His grace-covenant mission to go to a far off place, live amongst a desperate people and offer Himself in love, laying down His life for His own. How amazing the Incarnation where One who enjoyed all the Trinitarian prerogatives and privileges offered Himself saying, "Here am I, send Me!"

See you at the Potter's wheel!
G.K. Sexton

"For God so loved the world that He sent his unique Son so that whosoever trusted in Him would not be lost but receive everlasting life."  John 3:16