HE CAME TO RESCUE YOU

Throughout the week, the world has waited and watched, and endured the agony of anticipation throughout the course of the slow and dangerous rescue of 33 miners trapped by a cave-in at a copper mine in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. We have been gripped by the thought of the indescribable hardships they endured in their more than two months confined in the deep and the dark, over 2,000 feet below the surface. At one point, they were even left for dead.

We have been fascinated by the rescue efforts; and rightly so. The work has been herculean, difficult, costly, and – I’m sure we all believe – well worth it. The devout have prayed. The families have held vigil. And the news has been good.
First, the trapped miners were located and a rescue plan was coordinated. A small emergency shaft was built to provide food, water and air for the trapped miners. Then the long rescue shaft was carefully drilled. Finally, in preparation for bringing the men up, three medics were sent down to get the miners ready to be saved.

And a watching world waited and wondered.

The entire process, from the tragic cave-in through the intricate rescue, all anxiously observed by us, reminds me of what God does to save rebel humanity trapped in the depths of our own sin. By our own efforts, we have tunneled far into the darkness, pursuing wealth and success, only to be trapped by the collapse of our own efforts.

We could have been left for dead. We, like those miners, have no hope of digging our way out. But God has a rescue plan prepared and implemented. At great cost to Himself, He sent the Best of heaven for the least of earth down into the dim abyss of our iniquity to secure our release. Taking our crimes upon Himself, Christ offers the trapped and broken a way up and out of our sin. All that is required is to trust Him, our only Hope of rescue.

Think with me about those Chilean miners. Imagine their excitement as the rescue shaft opened up! Consider their elation upon seeing the escape capsule come down!

And then, try to picture this: as one of the helpers emerges from the capsule to help the miners into it one by one, some of them respond to the invitation, “You know, we’ve decided to stay down here. We’ve grown accustomed to the darkness and discomfort; so, thanks, but no, thanks!”

Unimaginable? Of course it is. People in their right mind would jump at the chance to be saved from certain and agonizing death in the dark.

Jesus has come into the gloom of humanity’s self-made tomb and has called us to trust Him so that we may be delivered from the depths of our depravity and brought out into the light of His salvation. It is unimaginable that some would refuse His call, unthinkable that any would prefer to remain trapped.

Jesus came to rescue you. Don’t refuse His offer.