Reflect on the following:

We appreciate, perhaps now more than ever, the sacrificial and life saving service of our doctors and nurses. A survey in 2021 showed that doctors and nurses are the professionals we Australians trust more than any other. Paramedics and surf lifeguards are also held dear in our Australian hearts. How important and comforting it is to know there's someone there to save us if our life is at risk. In a moment of life and death there is nothing more vital than being rescued and nothing more beautiful than our rescuer's face.

Have you thought of Jesus as your rescuer? The overarching story of the Bible, from beginning to end, is that we humans need rescuing from more than just physical death. Because we have all rejected our God and creator we are in grave spiritual danger. After our physical death we face God's just judgement and eternal condemnation. It's a hard thing to think about. It can sound so harsh and feel so far from our current daily experiences. But the Bible is clear - our sin means we are in real, serious and permanent danger from God's justice.

The reality of this danger is what makes the message of Jesus "good news."

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

This is where what Jesus did to rescue us from eternal danger is even greater than our sacrificial doctors, nurses, paramedics and lifeguards. Jesus gave up his life to rescue us, to secure our forgiveness and eternal life. Sometimes we hear of someone dying to save the life of another - the dad who saved his child from drowning but was unable to get himself to shore safely. Like this scenario Jesus gave up his life for ours. But unlike this example Jesus didn't die to save his innocent loving child, he died to save the children who have shunned him and hurt him. And Jesus didn't stay dead either, rather he rose again and conquered death for all in doing so. Jesus wants to rescue you from eternal danger. He died and rose again, so that you could have a perfect eternal life with him. He did this despite the way you've ignored or rejected him. Are you ready to be rescued by this amazing Saviour?

Prayer:
Dear God, Please forgive me for ignoring and rejecting you. I accept Jesus' eternal rescue. I'm thankful that he died and rose again to save me from eternal condemnation. I receive this rescue and gift of eternal life with you in Jesus' name.Amen.