ISRAEL UPDATEMay 2, 2004 - Those of us that watched Pat Tillman play football at Arizona State University, or as a standout NFL player with the Arizona Cardinals, saw the essence of a true competitor, but we also saw a life defined by ethics and classy actions.
As the news of Pat Tillman’s death reached Arizona this last week, the war on terror was brought home to those of us that live here in a very personal way - since Tillman had given up a lucrative NFL contract to become an Army Ranger.
He went from an offer of $3.6 million and the accolades and cheers of professional sports to making less than $20,000 a year being part of an elite military unit fraught with dangers of classified operations - by his own choice.
Pat Tillman is to be admired – and not just because of his willingness to sacrifice all for what he believed in… To know his story and to be aware of the saga of the Israeli Defense Forces, it is difficult not to compare the similarities - but the differences as well.
Israeli soldiers as a rule do not have the option of enlisting, but enter service at the age of 18 for a three-year commitment, and thereafter serve one month per year in reserve duty - well into middle age.
It would be hard to calculate how many Israeli athletes, musicians, and entertainers serve on a daily basis, defending their nation from those who desire her destruction. . .
We should greatly admire a man like Pat Tillman and all our troops, along with the men and women of the IDF. These people willingly make sacrifices every day, regardless of vocation.
May 2, 2004 - As our nation sat in shock watching the flames and smoke billowing out of the World Trade Center, some people changed forever. For most, the change was temporary and they have gone back into a state of indifference.
Pat Tillman, feeling the rage of his nation being a violated by that attack, gave up the fame and prosperity of the National Football League to join the elite Army Rangers.
Mr. Tillman has without realizing it, put out a challenge to the Christian church today. . . Are we to stay in our comfort zone, or do we believe in the cause of Christ?
In an age of selfish, self-serving Christians that demand G-d to give them everything, or those only looking to increase their self-esteem… who will rise out of the masses and dare to be different?
How many of us truly understand the depth of the problems that are suffocating our nation… or how many are aware of the intense amount of spiritual warfare currently waged against it?
Our sports stadiums have become worship centers, while balls, bats, gloves, and jerseys are icons of worship, and the players placed on pedestals of idol worship.
After the death of the uncompromising John the Baptist, Jesus asks the multitudes concerning John, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” Matthew 11:7, 8
So as Pat Tillman picked up arms for the cause of his country, will any of us pick up the Cross and follow Jesus in a new devout, committed manner… whatever the cost?
To be continued . . .