And, what has it got to do with the demise of the beloved vessel of God?
I love nature for it provides many fascinating answers to our inquisitive mind. Animals are naturally intuitive and survive instinctively in the wild.
The Fascinating Life of the Alaskan Salmon
Alaskan Salmon has a most interesting life. One that takes them from the rivers and streams of Alaska's wild frontier, to the high seas of the Pacific Ocean, and back again to the very place they were born.
Very adaptable to their environments, the Alaskan Salmon are very focused in their goal to procreate. Sometime this means swimming up rugged rivers with miles of rapids and waterfalls to leap. They encounter all sorts of perils swimming upstream.
Once they reach their natal spawning grounds, they breed and lay eggs. After spawning they generally die within a week, fertilizing the streams for the new infant salmon to hatch.
The new generation of infant salmon begins their journey downstream, facing even greater dangers than their parents, having no knowledge or experience of who their predators are. Both parents and infants are equally vulnerable - to the elements of nature.
Why Salmon die after spawning?
Salmon do not feed during the whole journey to the spawning grounds - completely worn out from swimming upstream - and ending with a rigorous spawning ritual. They die due to exhaustion and starvation - using up all the stores energy - nothing left to get back to the ocean.
Interestingly, after accomplishing their spawning mission they die.
They die to procreate so that the next generation can continue to live. Their sacrifices are noble deeds - to sustain and perpetuate the next new generations.
What has the life (or death) of the Alaskan Salmon got to do with the beloved Vessel of God?
What is the common denominator?
You got it.
Sorry, no prizes for the right answer.
"What do you mean he die so that others may live?"
I could almost hear some people asking inquisitively, "How's that so?"
The Great Sacrifice
Like the sacrifices of the Alaskan Salmon, the real sacrifices of this humble man are so great and immense - not just impacted my life and family - but loads of other people like us. It is just too overwhelming even to think about it.
Fighting the spiritual forces are not strange or alien to him - but the ensuing spiritual warfare for the flock has taken a heavy toll on him.
He sacrifices his personal space and freedom to engage the spiritual enemy continually for us - so that we will enjoy spiritual liberty - a better and happier life.
Unknown to the 3.5 billion souls - and like the new generation of infant salmon - may not even know who were their 'parents' - the dangers and perils they endured - died to procreate - to sustain and perpetuate a new generation: the beneficiaries of a New Life.
Yet he humbly says, "I do all this for God." And, we know ... he did it for all of us as well.
The Legacy: "Lo, I Come To Do Thy Will"
Though physically he may not be with us but his presence is being felt. His words still ring clearly in my mind as if he is still speaking.
Upon reflection, I realize his spirit is still amongst us, not literally, but his words and works has imprinted in our hearts and minds. Truly, a man greater than life itself.
Yet not the sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings overshadow the essence of the "Lo, I come to do thy will" - the mark of that big spiritual footprint itched in our spirit - the reciprocation of the Salvation Pact.
The legacy he leaves behind is so great and immense - for those who understand well enough - his demise is not a lost - but a gain.
Yet the legacy of the words and works are not his as he always reminded us. He ascribes to the Father who enables him - a man who speaks the truth in humility.
I personally find him in a totally different league of a very special breed with no comparison, only to be equaled by the one who died some 2000 years ago.
The Supreme Purpose: Mission Accomplished
She has to die so that thousands, if not tens of thousands, may live.
I witness a parallel in the case of the Vessel of God who has to give his life to fulfill the supreme purpose which surpasses all understanding.
The high point of his life and ministry culminates in the destruction of Satan's kingdom - and God's victory over the enemy. The 3.5 Billion souls is a case in point.
And, the many spiritual battles he fought for us: encountering life threatening danger, suffering pain and agony, and enduring the false accusations of the turncoats - all for our sake - for the procreation (spiritually) of a new generation.
What Now?
To those who may not have the privilege to know it may be mind boggling - or sound absurd. That's not important anymore.
What is most important and relevant is how we stay united to fulfill our part of the salvation pact with God.
Be strong and not be dismay. The race to the finishing line is very near - just hang in there a little longer.
Lift up your girdle and fight a good fight. This is the last lap to the finishing tape - keep going, remain strong.
Are we worthy of his sacrifices?
Are we fervent in spirit for the challenges ... to continue the legacy?
The Alaskan Salmon did not die in vain, so is our Beloved Vessel of God.
- An Observer
