Today’s lifesavers

We appreciate, perhaps now more than ever, the sacrificial and life saving service of our doctors and nurses. A survey in 2021 showed that doctors and nurses are the professionals we Australians trust more than any other. Paramedics and surf lifeguards are also held dear in our Australian hearts. How important and comforting it is to know there’s someone there to save us if our life is at risk. In a moment of life and death there is nothing more vital than being rescued and nothing more beautiful than our rescuer’s face.

Have you thought of Jesus as your rescuer? The overarching story of the Bible, from beginning to end, is that we humans need rescuing from more than just physical death. Because we have all rejected our God and creator we are in grave spiritual danger. After our physical death we face God’s just judgement and eternal condemnation. It’s a hard thing to think about. It can sound so harsh and feel so far from our current daily experiences. But the Bible is clear – our sin (rebellion against God) means we are in real, serious and permanent danger from God’s justice.

The reality of this danger is what makes the message of Jesus “good news.”

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:6-8

This is where what Jesus did to rescue us from eternal danger is even greater than our sacrificial doctors, nurses, paramedics and lifeguards. Jesus gave up His life to rescue us, to secure our forgiveness and eternal life. Sometimes we hear of someone dying to save the life of another – the dad who saved his child from drowning but was unable to get himself to shore safely. Like this scenario Jesus gave up His life for ours. But unlike this example Jesus didn’t die to save His innocent loving child, He died to save the children who have shunned Him and hurt Him. And Jesus didn’t stay dead either, rather He rose again and conquered death for all in doing so. Jesus wants to rescue you from eternal danger. He died and rose back to life again, so that you could have a perfect eternal life with Him. He did this despite the way you’ve ignored or rejected Him. Are you ready to be rescued by this amazing Saviour?

Prayer: Dear God, Please forgive me for ignoring and rejecting you. I accept Jesus’ eternal rescue. I’m thankful that He died and rose back to life again to save me from eternal condemnation. I receive this rescue and gift of eternal life with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acknowledgement: This article was sourced from Outreach Media, Sydney, Australia.
Images and text © Outreach Media 2023