"The Jesus Nut"

 

“The Jesus Nut”

  

Recently I read a devotional article in which the writer referred to the “Jesus Nut” (not to be confused with the sometimes derogatory term “Jesus Freak”) on a helicopter. I did some research on my old friend Google and found that the term was likely coined by GI’s in Vietnam, the first combat zone in which choppers were used extensively to transport soldiers. Since it’s the mechanism that holds the main rotor in place legend has it that its failure meant the aircraft would crash and its occupants’ only recourse was to “pray to Jesus”.

Rather than plow through the technical jargon on line which I probably wouldn’t understand I talked with a friend who’s a retired Navy helicopter pilot. He explained that it was the most important part of the machine and was carefully inspected by the flight and ground crews before lifting off. Depending on the size, type and age of the aircraft the unit could be a single nut or a more sophisticated assembly. My friend knows of no instance where the “Jesus Nut” failed while in flight, a testimony to the diligence of the maintenance team. (This also brought to mind the title of a great hymn from 1927, “Jesus Never Fails”.)

As I thought about the great significance of the “Jesus Nut” a number of applications came to mind. First, Paul writes in Colossians 1:17 that “(Christ) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” “Before” denotes “priority in importance” so as the “Jesus Nut” holds the helicopter parts together Jesus keeps the universe in order. Next, Jesus is called “the chief cornerstone” in Ephesians 2:20. As such He keeps all creation in balance as the “Jesus Nut” does on a chopper.  Then, too, as this key element is closely inspected before flying we have the example of the Berean believers who “…examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11). Finally, even though the “Jesus Nut” is the key component in any helicopter it can’t do its job without many other functioning parts’ doing what they’re intended to do. Paul describes how Jesus designed His church to fulfill its mission in this way: “Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT).

Since we live near a hospital with a trauma unit and a commercial airport the sound of helicopters is a common occurrence to us. Knowing about the “Jesus Nut” made me realize its crucial place in aviation safety and Jesus’ place in the universe and His church. I’m thankful for both—and I hope you are too.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan