Having suffered severely at the hands of his former bosses, Jason embarks on a quest to uncover his true identity and bring these rogue agency officials to justice. However, in doing so, he has become a target himself.
Then, Simon Ross, a British journalist, begins an expose of this black ops program. Bourne reads his article and contacts the newswriter, knowing that Ross - by virtue of his threat to uncover the malefactors - - has centered himself, also, in the assassin's scope.
Fully aware that the agency has it's eyes on Ross, Jason arranges a meeting with the journalist. At busy Waterloo Terminal in London, Bourne slips Ross a new, pre-paid phone to avoid tracing, alerts him to the fact that they are being watched, that their lives are in imminent danger, and then warns the writer, "We've gotta move!"
Phone to his ear, Simon Ross traverses the pedestrian-packed terminal undiscovered, obediently following Bourne's constant & calm directives. Though progressing undetected, fear takes control of Simon's mind. A spray-bottle becomes a hit-man's weapon and panicking feet carry him back into the enemy's sights. Watch what happens next:
After so dutifully and successfully working his way through an obstacle course of movement and action, Simon Ross receives clear instruction to perform what is often that most difficult task for men: "Wait". But he can't. And so he utters, perhaps, the most common last words of men, "I think I can make it!", and he bursts through the door.
Two steps and it's over.
God has eyeballed this scene before. It was a man named Saul, the first king of Israel, in about 1050 B.C.. God, through his prophet Samuel, gives the new king a blow-by-blow account of what is going to transpire. Next, he is given what amounts to a blank check when the prophet tells him that he can then do whatever his hand finds to do because God is with him. Then, Samuel's final instructions to Saul are these words:
“Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.” (1 Samuel 10:8)
In fact, it all happens just as God said it would. Everything Samuel said was fulfilled. Every enemy Saul engaged was vanquished. You would think the level of trust would be sky-high. So, Saul goes to Gilgal and waits. For six days he waits. Then, the sun dawns on day seven and we read:
He (Saul) waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.
“What have you done?” asked Samuel.
Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, ... I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” (1 Samuel 13:8-12)
As a result, Saul's days as king are numbered and God seeks out a man "after his own heart" to lead his people.
Now comes the tough part. Because I have to tell you that I don't have all the answers when it comes to waiting and not waiting. But I will tell you five things I've learned:
1) Waiting is Hard - It's hard for everyone, but it seems to be especially hard for men. The encouragement is this: You are not alone!
2) If God's Word Speaks to Your Situation, Actively Obey - There is no reason that we should be waiting and praying about whether to pay our debts, pay our employees, love our wives, forgive our enemies, tell the truth, or help our neighbors. God's Word is clear: Do it!
3) If God Clearly Tells You to Wait, Wait - Sometimes God, through His Holy Spirit, will clearly tell his kids to wait. But remember this: Never will His Spirit give you instruction that contradicts His written Word.
4) While Waiting, Don't Go Comatose - Don't zone-out on God or those around you. I call it "Active Waiting". Continue to read His Word, Talk to Him, love your family - - do those things you know to do.
5) Rushing Ahead Without God Can Be Disastrous - Just like the journalist in the movie, or King Saul in God's Word: We won't last long on our own.
The king that took Saul's place - his name was David. And while David was by no means perfect, I think he may have learned something from Saul's error. His advice, recorded in the 37th Psalm, says this:
"Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it." (v.34)
Hang in there. It will be a challenge, but God is strong.
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis!
Doug
