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 

Knowing Should Lead To Doing

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10).

In the early verses of his letter to the Colossian believers, Paul greets them warmly and praises them for their faith, love, and hope (vv. 1-5).  Of course, it was the gospel of Christ that was producing this growing harvest of fruit in their lives, beginning from the very moment they heard and obeyed it through the teaching of Epaphras, Paul’s friend and co-worker (vv. 6-9).  In the verses quoted at the beginning of this article, the apostle speaks of praying that the Colossian church would be filled with the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God’s will.  What a great prayer!  Knowledge is certainly important.  Jesus taught that knowing the truth will lead to freedom (John 8:32).  The Savior also tied eternal life to knowing God and Jesus, the Son he sent (John 17:3).  Paul himself taught that eternal destruction awaits those who refuse to know God and obey the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9).  So there is no doubt that knowledge is vital.

But knowledge isn’t an end in itself.  Paul prayed the saints in Colossae would be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding SO THAT they would do something.  Knowledge was designed to produce godly living and productive work in the kingdom (v.10).  Knowing should naturally lead to doing.  What the head accumulates should work its way out to the hands and feet.

Father, please help me not only to know Your will but also to have that knowledge find expression in the way that I serve You.  May I think, speak, and live what I know to be true.

God loves you!

Mike