search and rescue
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June 30, 2009
READ: Luke 19:1-10
The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. —Luke 19:10
Almost every week we see news about a search-and-rescue mission. It may involve a child who wandered away from a family picnic and is lost, or a hiker stranded on a mountain, or people trapped in the rubble following an earthquake. In every case, the people at risk are unable to help themselves. Those who are found and saved usually have lasting gratitude for those who joined in the search and rescued them.
The account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 is a story of search and rescue. At first glance it may seem like a series of chance events—Jesus was passing through Jericho and a rich tax collector climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of the miracle-working teacher. But this encounter with Jesus was not a coincidence. At the end of the narrative, Luke deliberately included Jesus’ words to Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house . . . ; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (vv.9-10).
Jesus began His search-and-rescue operation on earth by His life, death, and resurrection. He continues it today through the power of the Holy Spirit, and He graciously invites us to participate with Him by loving those who are lost. — David C. McCasland
Those rescued from sin are best able to rescue those in sin.
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Loading ...marvelous
June 30, 2009
READ: Job 9:9-11
He does great things too marvelous to understand (v.10).
Last year, the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Summer Olympics were spectacular. The 17 days of competition, full of world-record-shattering performances, were sensational. But were the 2008 Summer Games marvelous?
Before answering, first consider what the word marvelous means. The American Heritage Dictionary defines marvelous as: (1) Causing wonder or astonishment. (2) Miraculous; supernatural. Webster’s Dictionary says marvelous means: (1) Exciting wonder or surprise; astonishing; wonderful. (2) Partaking of the character of miracle, or supernatural, incredible. (3) That which exceeds natural power, or is preternatural, that which is wonderful—opposed to the probable.
Of the 12 times the word marvelous is used in Scripture (NLT version), not once does it describe a quality or accomplishment of man. In every instance, the adjective describes attributes and works of God:
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His deeds (2 Chronicles 26:15; Job 5:9, 9:10;
Psalm 9:1; Revelation 15:1, 3).
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His grace (Galatians 1:15; Jude 1:4).
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His glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3).
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His wisdom (Ezekiel 28:7).
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His workmanship (Psalm 139:14).
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His kindness (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Perhaps one of the most beautiful testimonies of this deeply descriptive word was when Job said, “He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles” (Job 5:9, 9:10).
When he made these statements, Job was covered in excruciatingly painful sores and had lost his family and his worldly possessions. Yet, nothing could stop him from marveling at God’s deeds and miracles.
Meditate on the marvelous things that God is doing today. —Roxanne Robbins
What do you think is the most marvelous thing about God? How are we changed when we marvel at God and His works?
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