Permission to Come Aboard

I served in the US Navy. Asking for permission is a daily part of life. You cannot enter a Naval Air Station or a ship without permission, even if you live there. When I served on the U.S.S. Bagley, our home port was San Diego. When I was on watch at the gangway, those coming on board would say, “I request permission to come aboard.” The watch would respond with “Come aboard” or something similar.

USS Midway CV-41 in San Diego CA

Permission to Enter

There were certain areas of the ship that were restricted. One such area was a different country called “officer’s country.” This was the section of the ship that housed the officers separate from the enlisted men like me. To venture into their country without permission would have been a lapse of judgment. The same was true of entering the captain’s cabin.

USS Midway Officer’s Country – Permission is required to enter

Permission to Depart

I was only invited into the captains’ cabin one time. It was his attempt to try to convince me to stay in the navy. I was requesting an early departure from the ship because it was heading to the Philippines. The permission for my departure was granted, saving the navy the cost of flying me home from the Philippines.

Permission to Enter God’s Rest

Hebrews chapter 4 makes it clear that God has a requirement for entrance into his kingdom. Lest there be any doubt, two times he declares to some “They shall not enter my rest.” (4:3,5)

Thomas wanted to know the way to access God’s kingdom entry. John 14:5-6 paints the picture: “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Don’t make the mistake of thinking that there are many paths to enter God’s kingdom. That is a fatal mistake.

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.