I Have The Plane

The plane is in the air, and under the capable hands of the co-pilot, who has shown every skill and competence during the flight so far. He is feeling good with himself, because this is the furthest and longest he has had control of the plane, and he might even get to take it the full journey and do the final descent, and ultimately land the jet safely. He is feeling pleased and almost smug.

The pilot has been watching during the journey, and sees things differently from the co-pilot. He then breaks the silence, and the dream of his partner, and utters the words, “I have the plane”. The controls are then passed immediately to the senior pilot, with the co-pilot responding, “You have the flight”. The safety of the passengers is now in the hands of the more experienced. Both pilots know the rules. Both pilots have already agreed the discipline, because after all, they are both professional airmen, with the ultimate goal being the safety of the passengers.

We love to be in control, and there are times we get too cocky, thinking we have it all 'in our own hands' and don't need any help. We are making the trip ourselves, and without any external help. Then Jesus sees our heart, steps in, and says, “I have the plane”. What do we do? Do we argue with the Senior Pilot and refuse to pass control, while still trying to stay on course by ourselves, perhaps putting the others we have responsibility for, in danger? Or, knowing the Senior Pilot, do we immediately hand the controls of our 'plane' over willingly, in the full knowledge that He knows best? Like you, I know what we should do but we are not always good at doing it willingly. In the meantime, those around us we love, are in danger until we finally hand over the controls of our lives.

After all, if anyone can land our plane safely, we know it is the Senior Pilot, right? Even Jesus had to hand control over to the Father, his own Senior Pilot.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22v42