Rescued

[God our Savior] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:4

Actions have consequences, but let’s face it: many of us secretly feel that if people make their own bed, then they ought to sleep in it. But not Jesus. He came for the mess-ups—including you and me.

Why do we sometimes feel that the seriously lost should be on their own—that they got themselves into this mess and should get themselves out? That’s certainly not God’s attitude. Imagine if a mountain rescue squad spotted a missing hiker and said, “Sorry. We can’t rescue those who get lost because they intentionally skied out of bounds.”

No. That’s not how Jesus would ever see it.

When someone is trapped in a burning building, you don’t try to work out what caused the fire and then decide whether to extend your sympathy. You rush to save that person. Especially if you understand how much it hurts to be burned.

No matter how the treasure of a soul comes to be lost, Jesus wants us to rescue and save what is precious. He said that even God calls the angels together to rejoice over the precious soul that’s been found (Luke 15:7, 10). Even the humblest and least deserving of us are of such value to heaven!

Jesus, give me Your heart for the lost, and make me compassionate and bold as I reach out to them today.