When the U.S. Navy rescued a captain held hostage by Somali pirates, it left an Italian boat owner astounded.
Captain Richard Phillips had been held hostage on a lifeboat for several days. He tried to escape on his own but was soon captured. The U.S. military converged on the site with ships, helicopters and a strong force of highly trained men. Together with an operation led by the Navy SEALs, the United States took swift action and set the captain free.
Silvio Bartoletti, owner of a shipping company, marveled at the rescue, the Associated Press reported. Bartoletti said, “I’m marveling that they’d do that for one American.”
Indeed, it was truly amazing to see the extent to which the United States would go for one person. This story, however, illustrates an event that is even more amazing: God, the creator of the universe, loved us so much that He took drastic measures and went through an extraordinary process to save us from our sins.
Christ said, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, [does] not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:44What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (Luke 15:4)). God cares about the world, but He also cares about individuals. Christ said, “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:77I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)).
The Bible, God’s Word, declares that without God we are all sinners (Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)). We, like the captain, are held hostage by the powers of darkness. We need to be rescued. We might try on our own to free ourselves through religion and good works. But such efforts would be in vain. Why? Because Christ alone is the One who can free us. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved [or rescued]” (Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)).
Christ, the Son of God, left heaven and all of its glory so He could come to this earth as a man and die for our sins. He rose from the dead to set us free and give us everlasting life. He did all of this for you, me and the entire world. The Bible states, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)).
Because of His love and His great acts of kindness, nobody has to remain a hostage. What about you? Are you still in bondage? If so, then please turn to Christ today! He has promised that anyone who calls on His name will be rescued (Romans 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)). Those who trust in Him will not be disappointed (Romans 10:1111For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11)).
Call on Him today, and experience real freedom. Only then will you know the joy of being saved and the thrill of having an amazing rescue.