Helpless and Loved

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV)

Five years ago, after 69 days trapped more than 2000 feet under the earth, 33 Chilean miners emerged one by one into the light, completing a rescue effort viewed by millions around the world.  It was a rescue 52 days in the making, since the miners were first discovered alive 17 days after a collapse within the mine where they were working.  The government and private companies worked diligently to develop a rescue plan, while at the same time providing for the needs of the trapped miners. 

To be rescued, one must be helpless and loved.  The miners kept themselves alive for a time, but they were unable to extract themselves from underneath the ground.  They needed others who cared enough about them to save them.  

When Paul writes that God has rescued us, he is saying that we are helpless and loved.  Helpless to extract ourselves from our sinful prison and loved by a God who can save us.  Our perilous situation was assessed and a rescue plan was put into place.  The death and resurrection of Jesus enabled us to escape the darkness and to be brought into the light.  

I imagine those 33 miners are still overflowing with gratitude toward their rescuers and will be for the rest of their lives.  It’s just a natural response when one has been saved.   

Today, remember when you were helpless and trapped in darkness, there was One who loved you enough to rescue you.  Overwhelming gratitude is warranted.  

© Jim Musser 2015