4-18-2019

 Good Morning All,

        Psalm 18:17; “He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me."

    We are often fascinated by stories of rescue.  Whether it was the South American miners or the soccer team in Thailand, we were captivated by the details of the event.  We even have movies and stories which are based on being rescued.  We even tell jokes about it.  One little boy, when asked by his teacher, “If you were stranded on an island, what one thing would you want with you?”  He answered, “a boat.” It seems to be about how the person who is stranded or lost can survive until help arrives.  We like the stoic stand to not panic but to make the best of the situation.  We like the heroic rescuers who find and save the lost or the stranded.

     Most of us try and think how we would feel if we were lost and stranded, perhaps on an island somewhere.  Would we fear?  Would there be food and fresh water?  Would it be safe or would there be wild animals?  How long will I be stranded?  Am I all alone or is there a group of people?  Will people miss me while I am gone?  Will I get rescued?  So, what would happen when we are rescued?  Would there be happiness?  Would we get a huge bill from the government for the cost of finding us?  Would our family recognize us?  These and many other questions probably pop into your mind as you think about being stranded or lost.

    Yet there is a different element to the story.  Imagine that as you were stranded, you were able to take a radio transmitter/receiver with you.  At first you would strain to hear it, tuning it until you got a strong signal.  You listen as you hear the rescuers tell you that they know where you are and that a boat is on the way.  You keep listening as they tell you “we’re on the way!”  Would you ever get tired of hearing that?  Would you ever get angry and say, “I’ve heard that, tell me something I don’t know?”  Would you kick the radio?  Would you tell the rescuers, “never mind!”  We would probably cling to that radio knowing that each broadcast meant one thing; the rescue boat is closer now than the last transmission.  It won’t be long and we will be rescued.  We would hold onto that simple truth; our rescue is soon to occur and everything would be fine.

    The truth about the Gospel of Jesus is that it is life changing.  It should be more than a mere mental exercise.  It breathes life into our dead bodies, just like the message from the rescuers would give you hope if you were lost or stranded.  The knowledge of God’s love for us, poured out upon the cross by Jesus surges through the believer.  It takes the simple statement of “Christ died for the sins of the world” to “Christ died for me; to give me salvation, to give me hope.”  The Word of God in the hearts of men changes lives; let it change yours!

Father, by your mercy you have declared us to be your children because of the righteousness of Jesus.  Defend us by your mighty power and keep the devil away.  Keep us safe and lead us to do your will in all our actions.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret