Day 15: Captain’s Mast

Romans 5:7–8: (KJV) “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Captain’s Mast is a judicial procedure where the captain of the ship hears accusations against sailors charged with punishable offenses. The term “mast” comes from the time when the Navy held such hearings near the mast of the ship. Today’s procedure caught my attention. Here’s why.

A sailor was charged with an offense that was certainly punishable by the captain. The sailor admitted guilt. During these proceedings, the chain of command for the sailor is present to offer support and/or corroborating information about the accused concerning the offence in question. This day the captain’s anger was apparent. The accused had obviously and blatantly stepped over the line of good order and discipline. The captain had made his decision and, in a raised voice, declared his intention to discharge the sailor from the Navy, one of his most severe options. Then to everyone’s surprise, he asked the chain of command, “Does anybody want this guy?” The silence was so powerful everyone present noticed it. Out of that silence, from the back of the room came a single, distinct voice. “I do, Captain. I’ll take him!” Surprised, those in attendance watched the captain sign discharge papers and hand them to the sailor who stood up for his shipmate. The career of the guilty sailor was now in the hands of a fellow sailor. The captain had signed the papers in red, reminding me of what God in Christ Jesus had done for me by the shedding of his blood. Remember:

In sin I was lost, destined to die, with no one to plead my case,
You gave your life for my wrong; Lord you willingly took my place!
Your grace was displayed in such a way for all the world to see,
You raised your hand and said, “I’ll take him,” at mast on Calvary.

Questions to Consider:

• Have I taken a chance on a person nobody wants?
• What should God’s grace toward me constrain me to do for others?

Reflection for the Day:

• Consider what God’s grace means to you: past, present, and future!