SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
READ: Galatians 1:1-5
MEMORY VERSE
“[Jesus] gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” Galatians 1:4
BACKGROUND
Some friends went boating in the English Channel, hoping the forecast for stormy weather would change. But the winds rose, and the waves became choppy, threatening the safety of their vessel, so they radioed for help to the RNLI (the Royal National Lifeboat Institution).
After some tense moments, they spotted their rescuers in the distance and realized with relief they’d soon be safe. As my friend reflected gratefully afterward, “Whether or not people ignore the rules of the sea, the RNLI still comes to the rescue.”
As he recounted the story, I thought about how Jesus leads God’s search-and-rescue mission. He came to earth to become a man, living as one of us.
Through His death and resurrection, He provided us with a rescue plan when our sin and disobedience separated us from God.
This truth is emphasized by Paul, when writing to the church at Galatia: “The Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age” (Galatians 1:3-4).
Paul reminded the Galatians of the gift of new life they received through Jesus’ death so that they would honor God day by day.
Jesus, our rescuer, willingly died to save us from being lost. Because He did, we have life in the kingdom of God, and in gratitude we can share the life-saving news with those in our community.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
INSIGHT
In Galatians, Paul refers to Jesus as our rescuer (1:3-5) and deliverer (5:1). The apostle uses a variety of terms in his other writings to describe what Christ accomplished in His rescue mission.
He provides “peace with God” (Romans 5:1); He’s “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), our “Savior” (Ephesians 5:23), and redeemer (Titus 2:14). The author of Hebrews describes Him as our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14).
The common thread of these images and metaphors is that Jesus rectifies something that’s wrong. The parables that He told in Luke 15 of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (more commonly known as the prodigal son) have a similar theme of rescue.
Christ described His own work by saying, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (19:10).
By: J.R. Hudberg
APPLICATION
How do you express thanks for your rescue? With whom can you share the good news?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…Jesus leads God’s search-and-rescue mission. Jesus, our rescuer, willingly died to save us from being lost. Because He did, we have life in the kingdom of God…”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, You give the gift of life and salvation. Please help me to receive Your love and give it to others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“RESCUE THE PERISHING”
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
Though they are slighting Him,
Still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly,
Plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.
Rescue the perishing…
Down in the human heart,
Crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.
Rescue the perishing,
Duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying;
Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
ROMANS 11
