“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
The Atacama Desert in Chile is said to be the driest place on earth.
But in August 2010, on the route to the San Jose mine, where 33 men had been trapped for over a month, the desert was carpeted in a rare, lush spectacle: an explosion of purple flowers – the beauty of hope. It took 17 days after the mine’s collapse for rescuers to discover that all of the trapped men were still alive. Getting them out, however, proved to be another challenge altogether. Incredibly, after many maneuvers, precise techniques, and God’s help, each man was pulled to safety and welcomed back into the arms of his family.
In many ways, this story is a parable of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of us are trapped by sin at birth and living in spiritual darkness. The only hope we have of escaping an eternity of death, doom, and darkness is through Jesus Christ. Jesus came down to earth to save us. He’s the rescuer and trusting in Him is our only hope.
Now, imagine if this had happened: What if, after all the effort on behalf of the rescue team, one of the miners had said, “I really appreciate everything you’ve gone through to get to us, but I’m a tough, strong, dedicated miner. The rest of you guys can go if you want to, but I’m gonna try to make it out on my own.” What would you think of the miner who said that? You would probably think he was crazy!
Sadly, that’s how many people respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. After all that Christ has done on our behalf: coming to earth, taking our sins to the cross, rising again, and offering us eternal life and relationship with God, so many people still believe that one way or another, they’ll make it to heaven on their own.
Yet, Jesus says,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
There is only one way – through Jesus.
No matter how strong, independent, and successful you are, if Christ is telling the truth, He is your ONLY hope of salvation.
I believe Him; do you?
Are you still trapped in darkness by your sin? Jesus is offering you a way out – you only have to reach up and take it!
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
