Recently, I re-watched a war movie called Greyhound. The film truly is a powerful one, to say the least. The story is set in the Atlantic ocean, where several American naval ships have been tasked with the duty of protecting British convoy vessels--loaded with hundreds of British soldiers.
Until they reach British-controlled waters, the Allied ships have zero air cover. And to make matters worse, the ocean they must cross is infested with German U-boats (submarines), ready to prey on any passing crafts.
Greyhound focuses primarily on the captain of this said ship and the rapid decisions he must make in order to protect the fleet and his own men. Without air cover, the task ahead will be dire and lethal. They will have to dodge enemy torpedoes, perform strategic battle maneuvers, and, somehow, survive.
Throughout the film, Captain Ernie (played by Tom Hanks) frequently quotes Scripture in order to encourage himself as a commander of men. Viewers get a really good feel for the kind of pressure that is on him. He is responsible for the welfare and success of this mission. Every ship matters, every soul matters.
What is it like to cross dangerous waters? That…is the weight of the entire film. Amidst freezing weather, ripping waves, and long, scary nights the crew finds themselves constantly on their feet. Submarine after submarine pursues the convoy—like a pack of wolves.
In the passing days and nights, the German U-boats manage to pick off several of the British vessels. And with every explosion that echoes across the Atlantic, the captain of the Greyhound becomes harder on himself. He feels the weightiness not only of saving lives, but also having to take them. It is reminiscent of what God Himself says in the Bible, “I do not take pleasure even in the death of the wicked”.
The cost has been high. Many lives have been lost. Has the mission failed? No matter the cost to himself, Ernie fulfills the duties of a faithful commander. We see his intense dedication throughout the film, as he constantly forgets to eat his food, never sleeps, and he will not rest until the convoy is safe. Conscientiously, he is well aware that he needs to take care of himself, but the care he has for the men of this mission is great.
Miraculously, the Greyhound emerges victorious in escorting the hundreds of British soldiers to safe waters. After harrowing skirmishes with the enemy, it is clear that only God could have brought them safe thus far and home. Torpedoes have scraped their hull. Death had often missed them by centimeters. They had suffered hard losses. But the mission did not fail. Across enemy waters these ships had come. And to safe shores had God carried them.
Captain Ernie relied on God while crossing that ocean and giving orders to his men. The demands were high, the risk was high, and more lives could have been lost. On his personal mirror, we see that he has one verse: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Every believer feels the weightiness of life. Every believer feels the opposition of the ocean we’re crossing. Enemy forces try to prey on us like ravenous wolves. The days and nights are long and many. The mission—our mission—is difficult. Sometimes we suffer pretty hard losses. And sometimes we wonder, “Has the mission failed?” But with the strength, encouragement, and perseverance God gives, we keep pressing on across perilous waters. If at times you forget who is on board the ship, remember this: Jesus Christ is on board the ship. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will see us home to safe shores.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” -2 Timothy 4:18
Can you imagine the sound of heaven?
Onboard the Greyhound, Ernie finally realizes that the mission is complete. He looks around at his men and orders one to take over. The seas are now quiet and still. The sun—which has not shown in all the days of their journey—brings a beautiful morning to illuminate the ship.
As the captain heads toward his quarters, he pauses on the deck to witness one of the passing convoy ships. Hundreds of soldiers are rejoicing. The men of the Greyhound had bravely protected them through all the hardships. Ernie humbly soaks in the cheers from the British soldiers, tears welling in his eyes. The scene echoes the same kind of rejoicing that believers will experience upon finally finishing their race:
“I have finished the race, I have fought the good fight” -the apostle Paul
“For in this way, you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” -2 Peter 1:11
Peace to you. Keep going
-CH
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