Fight for the Gun

You become a real cop when you understand your power. A good cop is not too timid to walk up to complete strangers and go hands on reaching deep into their pockets. Nor is he/she too officious, making everyone miserable with their presence. The officious are often cynical, negative and don’t understand the letter of the law verses the spirit of the law, forgetting to balance being human with being right all the time. Good cops snooker people into cooperation. Yes, snooker is a real police term and if its not it should be.

Paul is a strapping man. At 6’3” he is a formidable presence in a blue uniform. His low key approach to police contacts is contrasted by his size and athleticism. Paul recently stopped to contact three Asian gangsters at 47th and Market, ground zero in gang warfare. They were standing by a car in the parking lot of a liquor store. Now, the difference between a real cop and a poser is the ability to spot criminals “doing nothing” and detain them without their realization as opposed to driving by making excuses why you could not contact them.

Paul got out of his patrol car and approached on foot. A couple of close cover units converged to lend support. One of the three gangsters casually walked into the liquor store as if to buy something. He is the one you want. He has something to hide. Dope, warrants, a gun…Paul walked after him as the GST units took the others. Speed walking toward the guilty, Paul sent out a salutation, “He bud…where you going?” Oh, just to grab a pack of cigs. Talk to me for a few seconds if you don’t mind. Yeah, I’d rather not. Why not? Paul closed the gap standing face to face with the gangster. Silence, he had nothing to say.

Hey didn’t I talk to you a few weeks ago. Paul escalated the contact. “Turn around” as he guided the gangster with his hand on the cusp of the elbow. I’m gonna “pat” you for weapons. I ain’t on probation. You can’t touch me…can you? He was clearly a man who did not understand his lack of power. Too late, both hands were behind his back in the firm grip of a determined police sergeant who understood his powers, both physical and legal. The elbows rose, the palms tried to separate, the sign of imminent escape. Immediately Asian Gangster (Oriental Killer Boyz) decided to keep concealed what was hidden. The fight was on!

Paul went for the carotid restraint, (legal term) it’s really a choke hold where you cut off the blood supply to the brain for 30 seconds and they drop like a fly. Paul simultaneously tracked the movement of the gangster’s hands with his free hand. Mr. OKB was reaching for his waist band. Not good! That is where 65% of crooks carry their guns. Paul yells for cover to the guys outside. The door is shut and they could not hear him. Paul saw the glitter of the barrel of the gun coming out. Flashing through his mind is the choice. Keep the fight going and overcome the man with strength and skill or push off and go to guns. A quick double tap would send the man to eternity.

Paul grabed the Killer Boyz gun hand and forced it away from his head. The clerk dove for cover. The two combatants crashed into the potato chip stand and back to the candy bar section splashing Three Musketeer bars onto the counter. Paul dislodged the gun by slamming his hand into a metal stand. He dragged the semi-unconscious man out the door where two 240 pound cops pounced on the motionless body of a sorry gangster. Paul walked in to recover the cocked 9mm handgun. Paul was successful because he understood his police, physical and his psychological power over this gang member. The only thing the gang member had going for him was his age.

In Mark 6 Jesus called the 12 disciples and gave them POWER. He instructed for them to go out in pairs serving the people with an awesome display of divine power. These unschooled and ordinary men took no money or material support. They were stripped of that earthly power. They went divine power. The result: people to repented, casted out demons and the sick were healed.

We (me) don’t fully understand our power in Christ. We are either too weak or unconvincing as followers of Christ, or overly officious/obnoxious causing distain, just like some cops. When used appropriately powerful faith is a gift. Paul to Timothy: God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self discipline. Let’s exercise our power as believers…the power to love, lead and learn about the Savior and all the good that comes through Him.