Sunday, September 10, 2017

September 11, 2017

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20

One of the enduring memories from 9-11 was the sight of the police, paramedics, and firemen rushing into a burning building while everyone else who could was running out. Too many of them lost their lives trying to save the lives of others. Many lives were saved by them.

What is it that compels a person to rush into danger when most are fleeing from it? What motivates a person to risk his life to save the life of a total stranger?

Thank God there are still people who have a rescue mindset! Thank God there are those who value human life so highly that they will risk their own life to save others! As you pray today and as you meditate on the significance of this day take time to pray for the police, the firefighters, and the EMT's of your community. Take time to thank God for them.

Actually, I think those heroic acts of self-sacrifice on that fateful day eight years ago capture the very essence of the truth Jesus is teaching in Luke 15. Jesus is telling us that God has a rescue mindset. God is committed to rushing in to life threatening crises when others are running out. Jesus is the proof of God's commitment to rescue people trapped in the rubble of sin. He came from the splendor and security of Heaven in order to offer his life in order to save others.

So, how do we respond to that sort of mindset? 

How do we show our appreciation for such a great sacrifice?

I think Jesus answers those questions in Luke 15. I hear Him telling us that to prove our gratitude to God for His great love in two ways: (1) By loving Him and; (2) By loving what He loves - other people. I hear God calling us to have a rescue mindset and to rush into rescue situations when everyone else is running out.

Will you take a moment to ask God to give you a rescue mindset? Will you ask Him to fill you with His love for lost people? Will you praise God for being a Father who runs to meet lost people? Think about this, our faith is the only faith in the world that serves a God Who actively seeks us. Christianity is the unique faith that worships a God Who runs to us rather than expect us to somehow try to placate Him.

Seek God today and serve Him by seeking others who need to know Him.