Landing Party
A landing party is a portion of a ship's crew designated to go ashore from the ship and take ground, ... (Wikipedia)
A landing party could be a portion of a ship's crew to go ashore for military purposes. It could be a handful of men from a sailing ship in the 15th century to go ashore in a small boat to look for food and water. It could be a small group that goes down to the surface of a strange planet for exploration purposes in a Sci-Fi story.
Let us say that a small group of the crew of an old sailing ship goes ashore to a new land to find food and water and to explore. They are on the island for a full day then return to the main ship at evening. Everything is fine for a couple of days then a crew member starts experiencing symptoms of sickness. Another person gets sick soon later. It is noted that both of these men were part of the landing party that scouted out the strange new land. Another crew member gets sick. He was also part of the landing party. But not every one does show any symptoms.
The ship's doctor suspects that it is some kind of virus or some element of disease that came into contact with the landing party while it was exploring the island. One or two of the men die while the doctor comes up with a treatment. Apparently, if caught soon enough, the sickness can be remedied. If left too long, it proves to be fatal.
Something strange happens. A few of the crew which did not go ashore die without any symptom. A few more of the general population of the crew develop signs of sickness. Apparently, the disease is spreading to the entire crew. Some show signs of sickness. Some do not. While the symptoms are not universal, the danger of the 100% fatal disease is. The doctor must treat every crew member, not just those who experience pain and confusion. Every person aboard ship, those who went ashore and those who did not, must be treated as quickly as possible.
It is actually a mercy for the crew members to get the symptoms of the disease (in our story). It was, in effect, a curse to not show enough symptoms to get treatment, especially for those early fatalities.
Bad News
Our planet has been infected with something like a virus. The entire human race has been infected with the disease of sin because of just one man Adam who brought this contagion into our world. Every person who is a descendant of the first human pair has this fatal communicable disease. Not only do you personally have it but it will be spread to all your descendants (by any human male).
A “curse” upon any person would be to have this virus and yet show no or few symptoms. It will be fatal anyway yet it may not make its presence known. You must get treatment immediately no matter who you are or where you are from.
It would actually be a blessing to show the vicious symptoms of this disease and have them active in your life. You have not made yourself a habitual liar because you tell some falsehoods. You lie because this fatal disease is resident in you. You have not made yourself a thief because you have taken a few things out of a store. You steal because you have contacted the fatal disease of sin. These are some of the symptoms of this virus.
Of course, we do not want to sin nor does God want us to sin so He can show His power. However, being strongly struck with the sickness of sin could be a helpful thing. If one is exhibiting evil and wickedness he may look up, in his hopeless situation, and desperately long for a cure. If a person is relatively healthy and well-adjusted he may see no need to treat a “non-existent” threat.
No one is really sure what sin is. It is here in the human race and it is going to prove fatal in every case unless some treatment is discovered and implemented.
Good News
The bad news is really bad. The good news is almost too good to be true.
but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. (1 Pet 1:19 AMP)
The sacrifice of Jesus, pouring out His blood to demonstrate His life being given for us, is the antidote to the terminal disease of sin. Faith in His sacrifice does more than forgive us and save us from unending death. His work brings us to God, the Source of all real Life (1 Pet 3:18).
Friend, are you addicted and hopeless? Are you flat on your back, being forced to look upward for supernatural help? Jesus can save you from the death that this miserable life is only a weak picture of.
Friend, are you a “pretty good guy”? Are you in good health, with enough money, and living a good responsible life? That may be the worst thing that could ever happen to a person if it makes you think you do not need the antidote that only Jesus can provide.
No matter who you are, you must allow Dr. Jesus to administer the life giving remedy now.
Feb. 29, 2024