At the funeral service of Former President George Herbert Walker Bush in the Rotunda in Washington DC, some excellent speeches were given. One of the most moving was given by Vice-President Mike Spence. CAVU stands for Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. That is a welcome greeting or comment to a pilot coming out of a storm or dangerous place or just taking off. Mr. Spence has a son who flies a jet from the new carrier named after the former president. He asked for an autograph on a photo from Pres. Bush to give to his son since the former Pres. was also a decorated pilot in WW2. George H.W. Bush wrote a letter back and in signing it added CAVU. Its meaning is not lost in those who fly in the skies. For the followers of Jesus Christ, that meaning cannot be lost since they are also moving toward a destination that is unlimited and the need for a clear ceiling and visibility is vital.
Airforce pilots are highly trained and must have clear and excellent eyesight. They frequently run into storms or poor flying conditions and in war, dangers are frequent. Ceiling and visibility unlimited is a phrase of assurance pilots like to hear. Pilots must learn about the laws of flight and all the intricate parts of the airplane they are piloting. They are expected to be clear minded and of excellent character since their own lives and often the lives of others are dependent upon all that they do. CAVU is a sign that they have clear flying at least for a while.
The followers of Jesus Christ are moving toward the most incredible unlimited goal that can be imagined. That goal has been put in place by the great Creator of the Universe and the way to get there (the airplane if you will) is also designed by Him. Paul wrote that God had a purpose that was first completely revealed only 2,000 years ago in Christ Jesus. That purpose or goal was taught by Jesus and His followers and is the unlimited eternal destination for all believers (2 Tim. 1:9,10). Paul came to understand the enormity of eternal life that God offered and it changed his life dramatically. He knew that humans must stop living by the flesh or ways that our human minds direct and tune in fully to the spiritual ways that God lays before us in Christ (Rom 8:5-8).
When pilots err or become careless, their lives are in jeopardy. They need to remain alert and fully aware of their surroundings at all times. Often they are given guidance from some airport tower and even though conditions may limit visibility and do not give clear skies, they are guided by various means which they have learned to follow. Eventually when they come out of those troubled flights, CAVU is the pleasant result. Paul, in trying to encourage and bring excitement in the goal God offers, was himself driven by the enormity of all God plans. Paul wrote: "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Cor. 2:9, Isa. 64:4). God tells us that He is not finished all of His creating yet. He will create a new heaven or heavens and a new earth (Isa. 65:17). This new one will be so great that the former will not be brought to mind. That is some of the unlimited view that God offers.
It is interesting how we humans can understand the need to study and train in order to do things like fly a jet plane or travel into outer space. The programs developed for those tasks are very tough and complicated. They take effort, self control, study, courage, determination and humility among other points of character. God has written about the way to "fly" in His book which are the Holy Scriptures. Since Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith along with God the Father, it is His voice that we will hear in the midst of a storm (Heb. 12:1-3). Jesus has felt the concern, fear, frustration, sorrow and troubles that we sometimes feel. He has been tested by Satan in all ways as we are (Heb. 2:14-17). Jesus has become the High Priest of God and our High Priest because He knows what we feel. When our pathway to the Kingdom of God becomes darkened because of events in our lives, He provides the guidance to bring us out of the clouds of doubt and fear into the bright light of ceiling and visibility unlimited.
God inspired Peter to tell us that we have an enemy who will constantly try to derail us from making the right and good choices so we can fly right (I Pet. 5:8,9). We are to resist Satan. When Jesus was tempted and tested by Satan, He resorted to the great truth of God's word for His defense. Jesus knew the Scriptures that were given so we could live (Matt. 4:1-11). That weapon and understanding has been given to the followers of Jesus Christ. The forces of evil and darkness are all about us in this evil world, but the force of good and light is also present. Christians need to follow that beacon that leads out of the darkness that Satan tries to use to confuse godly people. Satan hates the children of God and as his end comes nearer, he grows evermore violent and angry with humans who reject him (Rev. 12:4,10,13-17). He is not only angry, he is enraged to the point of insanity. For the church it will be and has been like flying through a severe storm where visibility is limited and strong winds can push the plane off course. For a pilot, those conditions become very dangerous. In the past when flying was in its infancy, many airplanes crashed in storms because they did not have a clear signal to follow. As time has passed and technical things have been improved, pilots now have a great deal of help to ensure that they come through storms and land safely.
Jesus Christ and the Father have promised their followers that they will never leave them in a time of trouble (Heb. 13:5,6). We humans sometimes are overcome with that which surrounds us. For a moment, we may falter as we reach out for the hand of God. Jesus did when He cried out: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). Those were the words of David at times (Psalm 22:1), and no doubt we as humans may feel that way in a great moment of peril and trial. That is a human thought which we must also control. God expects us to be people of great courage and faith (Deut. 31:6). We are not to have fear, because fear brings about doubt and then error. All who follow God are to be strong and of good courage. When Joshua was given the responsibility of taking Israel into the promised land, the one requirement God made of him was to be strong and of good courage. He was not to become dismayed, because God was with him wherever he would go (Josh. 1:8,9). That is the assurance God gives us though we may travel in dark places where visibility is impaired. Joshua was to study God's word and that was to be his light. It is our light also. Our training requires us to have strong character that will not falter in danger or faint when the going is difficult.
All of God's people have lived in this evil world controlled by Satan and his demons, though they too are restricted by what God allows. The development of character that has all the qualities needed to fly in difficult situation and make good decisions in the face of danger is a major need for an airplane pilot. This is especially true in the time of war. God's people are at war. We do not use physical weapons, but our warfare still requires the qualities of character that lead to success (2 Cor. 10:3-5). We need to be able to withstand arguments that seem to be logical and make sense, when they are actually contrary to God's laws. Paul said we are to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Pilots know that there are laws by which the aircraft flies and methods that have been designed and proven for success. They need to determine to trust that information and fly accordingly. Following Jesus Christ requires those points of character as well. God is our guiding light and beacon that leads to the reward of a position in His great Kingdom. He has given us the Holy Scriptures for a manual.
Paul grasped that unlimited ceiling when he wrote that humans could become like Christ and sons of God (Rom. 8:14). He could see that we could become joint-heirs of everything that God has done and will do (Rom. 8:17). He sees that the whole creation is waiting for the children of God to appear (verse 19). Paul points out that we need to recognize that we have an unlimited ceiling and unlimited visibility. That is what God offers. It is worth every effort that may be required of us and it is through Him who loved us that it is possible (Rom. 8:35-38). He is our guiding beacon and helper that brings us to the point of CAVU. May you always fly that way.