[APRIL 2] The Rescue Business

Read: Romans 3:10-22

"There is joy in the presence if the angels of gods over one sinner who repent."

--Luke 15:10

Living in the Colorando, I climb mountain. On summer weekends, I see casual hikers who have no idea what they are doing. in sandals, shorts, and T-shirts, carrying a single container of water, they are start up a trail at mis-morning. They have no map no compass and no rain gear.

My neighbor, who volunteers for Alpine Rescue, has told me stories of tourists rescued from certain death after wandering  off a trail. Regardless of circumstances, Alpine Rescue always responds to a call for help. Not once have they lecture a hapless tourist, "Well, since you ignored the rules of the wilderness, you'll just have to bear the consequences." Their mission is rescue. They pursue every needy hiker, no matter how undeserving.

The central message of the Bible is one of rescue. Paul points out that none of us "deserve" God's mercy and none of us can save ourselves. Like a stranded hiker, all we can do is call for help. Quoting the psalmist, he says, "There is none righteous, no, not one; none who understands; there is none who seek after of God" (Rom. 3:10-11; Ps. 14:1-3).

The good news of the gospel is the spite of our state, God seeks after us and responds to every plea for help. You might say that God is in the rescue Business 

 

THINKING IT OVER

What keeps you from calling out to God for spiritual rescue? 

Your pride? Do you fear that you are too bad for God's grace? what does Romans 3:23-26 say?

REFLECT ON THIS:

The heart of repentance is turning from sin and toward God