Window washers Juan Lopez and Juan Lizama were riding on a scaffold to the top of a New York City skyscraper when the left side of their platform gave way. The two men dangled there, 69 stories above ground, for about 2 hours. Rescue workers decided to cut a hole in the side of the building to reach the men. After working for 45 minutes, they successfully sliced through three layers of glass and pulled Lopez and Lizama to safety.
In the Bible, David knew how it felt to be rescued—the sensation of relief, the exchange of anxiety for joy. He was in mortal danger during a battle with the Philistines. A wave of exhaustion overtook him, and at that moment a descendant of the giants was closing in to execute him with a sword. But a fellow warrior stepped in and killed the Philistine, saving David’s life (2 Samuel 21:15-17). When David couldn’t help himself, someone else intervened.
The Bible records a song of thanksgiving written by David in the chapter following his near-death experience. In the lyrics David credits God with his rescue. He speaks of His mind-blowing power (2 Samuel 22:10-16). He revels in God’s favor (2 Samuel 22:36-40). And, near the end of his song, he says, “May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!” (2 Samuel 22:47).
Just as David was dramatically saved from his enemies, God has delivered us from the clutches of sin. “He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). God has changed our everlasting destiny from death to life! This is why we praise Him among the nations; this is why we sing praises to His name! (2 Samuel 22:50).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 14:1-28
More:
Read Exodus 15:1-5 to see how God rescued the Israelites. Look up Nahum 1:7-10 to see how God can be both a rescuer and an avenger.
Next:
At what times in your life have you been most thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice? From what do you need to be rescued today?
gary1schelvan on October 29, 2015 at 1:49 am
Dear JBS,
Thank you so much for such a meaningful posting. I am indeed thankful every day of my life, for having been rescued from the kingdom of darkness you wrote of. I am an American living in Tianjin, China with my Chinese wife Cathy, and on a recent visit to the USA, I went to a tattoo parlor I know of and had the Chinese characters for “redeemed” and “forgiven” put on my right leg. I am so grateful that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me, to give me redemption, a whole new rebirth in life…Hallelujah! To be forgiven…Wow!
jennifer benson schuldt on October 29, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Hi gary1schelvan,
It is awesome to think that we have been redeemed and forgiven and nothing can change that (1 Peter 1:18-19)! Those spiritual blessings are permanent, just like a tattoo. Thanks for being bold about the rewards that come from knowing Christ!
Mike Wittmer on October 29, 2015 at 5:43 pm
I lived in Beijing for two years, Gary, and I’m guessing that your tattoos might be conversation starters in Tianjin. May God give you an opportunity to share His love with others.
gary1schelvan on October 30, 2015 at 1:20 am
Hey Brother Mike,
Two years in Beijing, so you probably know that Chinese characters can be changed ever so slightly, to have a little different meaning. So a Chinese friend picked out the characters she said would draw interest and inquiries, just what I was hoping for. To cold now, but come a litle warmer weather, shorts go on and then see what happens! Any and all inquiries are welcome, as I believe so many Chinese people are hungry for the Word of God. Thanks for your well wishes, bless you as we move into the holiday season.
Gary Shultz on October 29, 2015 at 5:57 am
I remember that news story. I remember the story of David and Abishai coming to his rescue. Of course we all remember the story of Jesus coming to rescue mankind in total. Strange you mention this kind of thing, I was just thinking the other day of questions God may ask us when we get to heaven. Did you know when I sent my angel for your physical protection, do you remember that close call? Do you remember that pull of temptation and my Spirit carried you along? Do you remember the people I sent you at a low time? And of course we can reflect on many times God probably reached in and moved us to His place for correction or glory. We seem to always think of things we want to ask God, I think He has a few astounding things He may share with us. Thanks so much.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 29, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Gary,
Thanks for your thoughts. I liked the list of things you mentioned. Those are good reminders. I wonder too, if one day we’ll be able to see the things God protected us from. This makes me think there are things to be thankful about that we don’t even realize!
jim spillane on October 29, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Gary and Jennifer – I agree that those are all important questions that God may ask, but I am much more concerned with what Paul stated in Romans 14:10c, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God” and verse 12, “So each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Blessings to all here at the forum.
Tom Felten on October 29, 2015 at 8:46 am
Jennifer, I was just thinking about someone who wants to see changes in his life, but hasn’t truly surrendered to Jesus. Without experiencing His rescue, the stuff of life will continue to overwhelm and overcome us. May we recognize anew today what God has done through His Son—providing the rescue that leads to life and frees us from the clutches of sin and death.
gary1schelvan on October 29, 2015 at 8:55 am
Amen to what brother Tom said. It took me a long time to realize that I just had to surrender my life to Jesus, then I would be set free, to be the man he always wanted me to be. “Thy will be done Lord, not mine.” Surrender brings victory in Christ, polar opposite to the teaching of the world.
jennifer benson schuldt on October 29, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Tom, thank you for your comment. It reminds me of something I’ve been thinking about lately. We know we need the wholeness that only Jesus offers, but we have to be willing (be surrendered) to let Him do the work in us. We have to put down our pride, our habits, our self-reliance. Then, we clear the way for Him to develop us spiritually. A surrendered life is a wonderful testimony to the people around us!