Radio Silence

I met a submarine guy the other day. He mentioned how well sound travels through water. During their training, some days they have to go on radio silence plus stop all movement inside the sub. The slightest sound could give away their location to other submarines lurking nearby during sub exercises. 

That set me to thinking about some things...especially since this blog has been on "radio silence" since August. I checked out some things online.

In the military, an order for Radio silence is generally issued by the military where any radio transmission may reveal troop positions, either audibly from the sound of talking, or by radio direction finding.

The subs of WWII made a huge difference in the war. By going on radio silence they could glide by enemy coastlines and gather information to send back to HQ. They could also sneak up on battle ships and take them by surprise. The enemy couldn't hear or see them, so the element of surprise was key in battle.

Another reason for radio silence is in radio astronomy and nautical or aeronautical communications. They need to be able to hear faint distress calls. If someone is lost at sea or on the side of a mountain and their SOS transmission is faint due to batteries failing or storms, an order of radio silence is given so the Coast Guard or rescue teams can zero in on the transmission and find them.

Silence, when used in a play or movie, it is a dramatic pause to let the audience know someone big is about to be said or done.

Did you know God uses "radio silence"? The time between the Old and New Testament was 400 years. Imagine that...God's word silent until someone picked up the pen again because God began to speak. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Something big did happen. God came down in human form as a baby to spend time with us and then gave His life for us as a ransom. That 400 year dramatic pause was a huge flag that something big was coming. (Matthew 1)

Now, it's been way more than 400 years since the last book of the Bible was written. My question to you is, are you ready for His next big thing?

I can guarantee it will not be a tiny baby in a stable...meek and humble. Revelation speaks of Jesus coming back on the clouds. This time He will not be riding a colt as He did on His final ride into Jerusalem. (John 12:12-15) He will be on a white horse, ready for battle. (Revelation 19:11)

He hears the SOS of the world calling out for justice, rescue and redemption. Like a Holy submarine, God is on stealth mode, surveying the enemy's buildup of weapons and taking note of all prisoners of war. Satan has no clue when He will strike, so he’s always stirring up trouble with his minions in every generation.

So how would you like to meet Him, as the enemy combatant or as a fellow countryman? It's your choice. He does not force allegiance on anyone. All it takes for you to “enlist” is to accept Jesus Christ as your leader for life. Realize the price He paid for your eternal life and live as if you are under His authority.

He’s been silent for a long time now, but sometimes I think I can hear the angels holding their breath in heavenly radio silence…and I will continue to tap out the SOS of our world…

He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Yes! Come, Master Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 (MSG)