For 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 (NLT)
Rescuer or rescued? The “American Spirit” was often characterized as self-reliant and independent. It is debatable how prevalent this characteristic is today, but a significant number of us still would rather be a rescuer than be rescued.
We admire “first responders” who risk their well-being to come to the aid of those who are in distress. We are attracted to heroic stories where, against overwhelming odds, an individual saves the day. Sometimes, the one who needs rescuing is unaware of the great danger that awaits them. This is true spiritually as well.
The dictionary defines rescue as being “set free from confinement or danger by prompt or vigorous action.” Some synonyms for rescue include deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, or save. There is the implication that they are being rescued from a situation beyond their ability to extract themselves.
I learned that a form of the word rescue is used 16 times in the NKJV, but in the NLT, there are 334 occurrences. On the other hand, the word deliver is found 536 times in the NKJV but only 43 times in the NLT. Of course, deliver has a broader range of meanings, but contemporary usage seems to favor rescue. We are glad that God delivered or rescued us from the kingdom of darkness. Amen!
Unaware
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. Ezekiel 34:11–12 (NLT)
Have you ever been lost but did not know it? Before the days of GPS, it was hard for me to ask for directions. I figured I would eventually find my way, but sometimes I had to ask for help. I’m sure I’m not the only one!
Spiritually, going for a long time is possible without knowing just how lost we are. Paul told us what it was like for us before we met Christ, or more accurately, Christ rescued us. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. Ephesians 2:12 (NLT)
We were outsiders, but we did not even know it. For a while, we did not see that we did not have hope. We were oblivious and unaware of our actual condition. But the Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep securely behind and came looking for us, even though we were unaware of how much we needed to be rescued.
Ultimate Rescue
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
When God rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us to his kingdom, it was the most important day of our lives. Looking back, we can see times when God rescued us from physical harm, making it possible for us to respond when he tugged on our hearts and redeemed us.
The biblical record shows us how God kept people safe in adversity. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:27 (NLT). This story is repeated over and over again. And today, our own experiences attest to God’s ability to rescue.
Paul gives us this account: And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 2 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT). But we also know that not everyone is spared from physical harm. …But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Hebrews 11:35 (NLT)
We are grateful that God protects our lives and keeps us from physical harm. But like the three Hebrew men facing the blazing furnace, we know that God can save us, but even if he doesn’t keep us from harm, we continue to put our faith and trust in him.
From Rescued to Rescuer
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 22–23 (NLT)
Because God has rescued us, we have a responsibility to join in the effort of saving the lost. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 (NLT). In the same way that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation, we are to become rescuers.
Jude warns us that we must undertake this effort with caution. We must be in a secure position to rescue others, or we might end up needing to be rescued. In a classic song from the Jesus Revolution days, Chuck Girard of Love Song gave us these lyrics:
Accept Him with your whole heart
And use your own two hands.
With one reach out to Jesus
And with the other, bring a friend.
God rescued us and redeemed us when we were lost and helpless. Are we prepared to rescue others from the flames of judgment? It is better to be a rescuer than an obstacle. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)
God was preparing to rescue us even before we knew we needed to be rescued. We must be ready as spiritual “first responders.”
Steve Ekeroth