How’s Your Love Life?

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Last week we all watched with rapt attention as the Chilean mine rescue operation unfolded before our eyes on television and the internet.

This past August, 33 miners, (an interesting number, don’t you think,) we’re trapped alive a half-mile underground when the mine they were working in collapsed. They just happened to have ventured into a safety-rescue area for lunch just before the cave-in occurred. When the collapse initially happened, it was believed all the miners had been killed. Families had to deal head-on with the tragedy, and the horror of knowing their loved ones’ bodies were hopelessly buried deep under the ground.

After 17 days, there was a great celebration as it was determined none of the miners had been killed, and that they were all alive and well in the safety area, (which also had just enough provision of food and water to see them through as they severely rationed the supplies they had while waiting to hear from above.)

Finally! Yes, there not only were some survivors – but they had ALL survived! Magnifico! But now came the hard part.

There was never a moment’s question about whether they would attempt to rescue those men, and the question of cost never even entered the picture. There were 33 men trapped a half-mile below the surface of the earth, and we were going to go get them no matter the cost or effort involved. “Save them or die trying!”

As we encounter those trapped in sin around us, having fallen to the temptations of this world, it is an example to us that no resource be spared in bringing them back to safety. It is what Jesus exemplified. There was no depth He would not go to in order to reach those trapped in the pit of hell, and to draw them back to the light of salvation. He loved and restored even those caught in the very act of sin. How could we do less? This is what Paul is saying. 

-  Pastor Bill