A Rescue to Remember

They’ve all been rescued. 12 teens and their assistant coach. Heroic actions by Thai seal divers, including one diver who gave his life in the process. Drama, suspense, peril – – all while the world watches. Unless you’ve been in solitary confinement, you know to what I am referring. And I, along with millions, wept, cheered, prayed, and gave a sigh of relief when news came out that the last one emerged. And now, Hollywood is already lining up their ducks to see who can get this to film the quickest. Oh, how quickly things progress in our society.

But to me, I see this in a bit of a twist – maybe a bit introspective but also with appreciation for people right around me and for the church. These guys were there exploring this beautiful world. I too love exploring new trails, having new adventures – and the best times I have had doing it is when I had friends along with me – Calvin, Taylor, Jones, etc. But then circumstances change, like having to move back to Dallas for family. And I seem a bit trapped. Don’t get me wrong. I know we are in the center of God’s will, and our returning to Big D was important. But, the path forward is a bit dark. And I am not alone, many today are facing tough times, often feeling trapped, and not sure of what is ahead.

Here is the first big lesson … these boys survived because they were not alone. Not only did they have each other, they had a mentor – a coach who used his life skills to get them through the dark times. We need others, especially wiser, seasoned personas in our lives. Or maybe, you are somebody’s coach. This could be a pastor, a small group leader, a teacher, a big brother, etc. But in this case, the coach helped them survive, but it took more to rescue them.

Herein lies the second lesson … hundreds on the outside were involved in the rescue. Some had specific skills, some had resources, and then millions more were on the sidelines cheering on the process.

Let me throw my twist in here … let’s look at this from an evangelistic aspect. There are people all around us lost, trapped, with no hope for the future. And if the church was as passionate for those trapped right around us as the world was for the 13 that were trapped in that cave – what a difference that would make for them, for us.

Not going to go too preacher here, just the simple challenge to the church that we would be passionate about people. Whether sharing at Rockwood Park, talking to a coworker, having a conversation on a plane, or simply inviting someone to church with you, we can be used as part of a team that God uses to rescue souls for eternity.

That’s a rescue to remuneration and that’s something to celebrate.

And if the church was as passionate for those trapped right around us as the world was for the 13 that were trapped in that cave – what a difference that would make for them, for us.