Some time ago a friend of mine found himself in a very dicey situation on the Stanislaus River. He got caught in a strong current while kayaking, had fallen off and was pushed into some thick brush on the river. He was trapped with a turned over kayak in the chilly water. At first, he thought it would be relatively simple to get out of it. After many failed attempts to free himself, he was really surprised how helpless his situation was. He was exhausted and cold and stuck. Fortunately he had his phone with him and it was able to place a call for help. The local fire department ‘s river rescue crew came out quickly and easily freed him. He then continued his float down the river a little embarrassed and a lot more cautious.
There’s a metaphor for us in this.
We need help and we need rescuing.
Of course, sometimes it’s hard to admit we need it or to acknowledge the severity of our situation. To be in need of rescue is to admit that you don’t have the power to save yourself. Worse, to admit that our own mistakes, our mis-use of power, our sins have put us in a place of needing rescue. Sometimes it takes until things get really bad that we realize our plan and power isn’t enough.
But the good news is that there is spiritual rescue for us. It is a rescue initiated by God out of radical love.
Paul, a man who experienced his own dramatic rescue from God, writes this to the Galatians “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” Galatians 1:3-4
Simply put, in this present evil age, we’re in constant need of rescue and God is on a rescue mission for you in Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we’re starting a new teaching series on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. A chapter a week for six weeks. I looking forward to hearing again the incredible, liberating news of God’s rescue. It’s a message that I constantly need and one that changes everything.
STAYING CONNECTED – STORY SHARING
Hey, if you haven’t yet, find and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Share our livestream with friends and keep up to date with what’s going on this summer.
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little Facebook/ Craigslist space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources. Please join us!
For example, a few women, Gabriela and Caitlin, in our congregation are looking for housing! If you have housing or know people who might, they would very much appreciate any leads.
Click here to join band https://band.us/n/a9ae67xap2VbL
