25 Oct November 29th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCH

JESUS RESCUES YOU

Galatians 1:3-5 “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, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

The dictionary defines the verb rescue as to: “save (someone) from a dangerous or distressing situation.”  The Red Cross teaches water safety courses to equip people to save those who are drowning.  Fire departments have highly trained firemen who are responsible to save people from every imaginable life-threatening situation.

God sent His Son Jesus into the world to rescue sinners.  Sinners need rescuing because their sins lead to their eternal, everlasting death. (Romans 6:23) And, sinners are incapable of saving themselves.  And, there are no trained rescuers who are able to save them either. Jesus’ Disciples asked Him, “Who then can be saved.”  Jesus answered them:  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:25-26)

Only Jesus rescues sinners.  Galatians 1 says, “. . . the Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age. . . “  Jesus did this because His Father, “ . . . would have all men to be saved.”  (1 Timothy 2:4-6) St. Paul states, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”  (1 Timothy 1:16) Luke says, “Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Luke 4:11-12)

In an emergency when you are in need of rescue you dial 911.  You are confident the 911 operator will send the appropriately trained person to come to your rescue.  When you sin, you know you can pray for Jesus to come to your rescue to save you from God’s condemnation and your eternal death.  Jesus says to you, “. . . I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Prayer:  Jesus, I know that you rescue sinners therefore I pray you will rescue me each time I sin.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

Lord Jesus, think on me And purge away my sin;

From worldly passions set me free And make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me, By anxious thoughts oppressed;

Let me Your loving servant be And taste Your promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me Amid the battle’s strife;

In all my pain and misery, O be my health and life!

Lord Jesus, think on me Nor let me go astray;

Through darkness and perplexity Point out Your chosen way.

Lord Jesus, think on me That, when this life is past,

I may the eternal brightness see And share Your joy at last.

(LSB 610)