Rescue

“On 5th August this year (2010) the San Jose copper mine, in the Atacama Desert in Chile collapsed. 33 men were trapped in darkness. The world and their relatives feared that there was no hope. The depth of the mine, the lack of food and water, and the absence of any signs of life all pointed to a terribly sad end. But after signs of life were detected, an audacious rescue attempt was launched. Starting from the surface of the desert during bright daylight, drills began to bore a narrow hole down into darkness. After meticulous planning, but recognising many risks, a rescue capsule called Phoenix was sent down into the depths to rescue the 33 men. One by one the men stepped into their rescue capsule and they were delivered to the surface to shouts of jubilation and joy. They had been feared dead, but every man that stepped into the capsule was saved, alive and well.”*

What an amazing story! As I read the words, I thought of the apostle Paul’s statement in the book of Colossians as he spoke of another even more amazing rescue. “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).  Instead of being trapped under 2300 ft. of rock and dirt like the Chilean miners, we were trapped under the staggering weight of our own sin debt.  We were entombed in a kingdom of darkness, separated from any glimmer of spiritual light.

But then, God’s great rescue plan found its fulfillment in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God rendered the devil and his diabolical domain powerless (Hebrews 2:14-15).  Through His death and resurrection, the Deliverer stormed the gates of the satanic citadel and made the transfer of kingdoms possible for the faithful (Matthew 16:18; Acts 26:16-18). Praise God for His amazing rescue plan!

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/77900/an-audacious-rescue-by-warner-pidgeon