People all across the globe were riveted to their TVs Tuesday night waiting for the first of 33 miners to emerge from the rescue capsule. For many the rescue of the first man was quite an emotional experience.
A huge crowd gathered around the small opening that served as the life line and escape route for the miners. In the crowd were their rescuers, family and friends, employees of the mining company, the president of Chile, his wife and several others from the government. Surrounding that crowd were many from the media and through their cameras, the rest of the world looked on.
As the first miner emerged the huge crowd erupted into applause and cheers accompanied with tears of joy. Those reporting even gave in to their emotions just a bit as they chronicled the events of the evening. Those of us watching were silently cheering as well. I enjoyed the chants of the crowd as they expressed their national pride shouting, "Chi Chi Chi, le le le, Chile!" Everyone was overjoyed by the deliverance of the miners.
A Similar Picture From Scripture
"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10. Imagine a man trapped in sin. He is separated from God by his sin. Without a rescue he will perish in a Devil's hell. Some around him realize his desperate condition and tell Him about a Man who came to rescue him. They teach him of the love of God who sent His Son to pay the price for his sin so that he can avoid the destruction awaiting him.
As he learns more he develops his faith in Jesus. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6. He understands the need for repentance, a permanent change that must take place in his life so that his life will become like Jesus' life. "[God] commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30. He confesses His faith in Jesus. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9. He responds in obedience by being baptized so that Jesus washes away his sins. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38
Looking on are God and Jesus Christ. With them are the angels in heaven, a huge crowd of heavenly host who want this man to be rescued and saved. When he responds, heaven erupts in joy over this sinner who has repented.
Conclusion
We are so glad that the men in Chile have been rescued and thank God for their safety. We need to realize how many of our friends are trapped in sin, perishing as we live next door to them, work with them, and interact with them socially. Will we help to bring joy to the huge crowd in heaven by opening our mouths and telling these lost ones about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Let's busy ourselves with an even greater rescue mission that results in even greater joy.
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2 comments:
I've often wondered why there isn't the kind of jubilation when a Christian comes forward and asks forgiveness of sin. I think it's partly because of the natural cynicism the most humans possess. In the back of our minds we are thinking that, unlike those trapped in a mine, they got themselves into the mess by sinning; and we wonder how long it will be before they slip back into sin. Obviously, this is not the attitude that God expects us to have. Perhaps whenever someone comes forward we should remember the scene in Chile when the first miner reached the surface, and try to emulate that joy in our own hearts.
When this occurred on the news, and they were brought up from the mine, my first thought was of Jesus resurrection. This event, that had been anticipated, since the fall of man, had finally dawned. The angelic roar that day, must have been breath taking, talk about a rescue! Our Heavenly Fathers heart was now beating in sync with His sons, once again! Of course, this led to us being able to get rescued also, being born again with the new birth, that incorruptible seed, which is, “Christ in us the hope of glory”. Thanks for sharing.
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