scripture reading: Ezekiel 34:1–16

The Fire House

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

Once upon a time there was a fire station in a big city. The men and women who founded the establishment were dedicated to saving souls from burning buildings and warning local citizens of the dangers of fire. Named simply The Rescue Station , the organization began in the garage of one of the founders and consisted of the most basic necessities: an old truck, a few hoses and axes, a stretcher, and a first aid kit.

Neighbors made fun of these “fanatics” and mocked them whenever they went on rescue missions. City officials considered the garage an eyesore and an embarrassment to the community and worked to shut it down. But nothing could stop these noble men and women in their single-minded devotion to saving souls from the flames. Many of these early volunteers actually gave their lives in rescuing people they didn’t know! Such acts of courage and self-sacrifice made a profound impression on the city. Eventually, as more and more lives and property were saved, the community began to see the value in their work. Many donated to the cause. Others asked if they could join the organization. The dangers involved only inspired people all the more. Children began to say, “I want to be a firefighter when I grow up!”

But as the years went by, changes occurred at The Rescue Station. The old garage was abandoned and a large, attractive building was constructed filled with pumpers, ladder trucks, and EMT vehicles all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. A two-level hierarchy emerged among the membership. A few went away to Fire School and became licensed as “professionals.” They were hired by the station and received a salary for their work. The others were considered “volunteers” and worked at the station only when it was convenient to their schedules. The focus of the organization also began to change. Though the mission statement claimed that the purpose was still to “Quench and Rescue,” most of the members were rarely involved in saving souls from the flames. Some worked in finance, others in facility upkeep, while others made continual revisions to the by-laws. Some made coffee for the other volunteers. Only a few went out on rescue operations.

After a few decades, most members of The Rescue Station had no first-hand experience with fires or the risks involved in rescue operations. Many assumed that the fire house existed to meet their needs, not the needs of those outside! They loved the fellowship with other members and the sense of well-being they experienced when stories of rescue were read from the archives at membership meetings. They especially enjoyed singing loudly the songs of deliverance from the Fire House Chorus Book. At a recent membership meeting a motion was made to change the name of the organization because of the “uncomfortable connotations” associated with the label Rescue Station. The sponsors suggested that The Happy Club would be more descriptive of the true nature of their gatherings. Though the motion was narrowly defeated, everyone understood that it would be presented again the next time the membership met.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save. —Fanny Crosby

point to ponder • The church exists for the benefit of non-members.

prayer focus • Those involved in local evangelism.