Scripture reading: Matthew 18:10–14

Saving Private Lynch

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10)

 

One of the most memorable moments of the war in Iraq was the dramatic rescue of Private First Class Jessica Lynch. Serving as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by U.S. and allied forces, Lynch never expected to become headline news. But when Iraqi forces ambushed her convoy after it took a wrong turn in the desert, several of her comrades were killed and nineteen-year-old Lynch, severely wounded, was captured. Confined to a hospital bed in Nasiriya, Jessica’s prospects for survival seemed slim. But just after midnight on April 1, Private Lynch was dramatically rescued from the clutches of her captors when Black Hawk helicopters carrying U.S. Special Operations Forces made a daring raid behind enemy lines. Each room of the hospital was carefully searched until Jessica was found. Then she was strapped to a stretcher and carried away to freedom. As news of her rescue reached America, Jessica’s hometown in West Virginia erupted in jubilation. Church bells rang, and roadside signs left no doubt about who deserved the credit: Thank God for saving Jesse!

Saving Private Lynch can serve as a parable to help us better understand the res- cue operation that God initiated in making our salvation possible. Like Jessica’s convoy, we too took a wrong turn and fell prey to an enemy ambush. Captured against our will, we found ourselves unable to heal our wounds or gain our free- dom. All we could do was patiently hope and pray. Without help from outside, our situation was hopeless. But God loved us so much he sent his only Son deep into enemy territory to deliver us from the forces of wickedness. Though we were set free, it cost our Deliverer his life! He died so that we might live. Like the shepherd in Jesus’ parable, when he has found the lost sheep, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost (Luke 15:5–6).

One of the great and historic hymns of the church celebrates the Rescue Operation effected by the Savior of our souls. Let the words of Charles Wesley’s hymn better enable you to grasp the reality of the liberation he has won on your behalf!

He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me.

 

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

 

Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell;

I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.—C. T. Studd

 

point to ponder • You cannot save yourself.

prayer focus • Someone you know who is lost.