When the U.S. Navy rescued a captain held hostage by four Somali pirates, it left an Italian boat owner astounded.
Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama had been taken hostage on April 8, 2009, and held on a lifeboat for several days. He tried to escape on his own but was soon recaptured. The U.S. Navy rapidly converged on the area. The guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge with its crew of 270 and the frigate USS Halyburton with about 200 crew members arrived on the scene. A team of FBI hostage negotiators on board began working for the release of Captain Phillips. In the air overhead, P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft patrolled the skies. On the sea other small vessels lay just out of pirate gun range. As negotiations deteriorated, the amphibious assault ship, the USS Boxer, capable of carrying nearly 2,000 Marines moved into the area and Navy SEAL Team 6 parachuted into the water near the Halyburton. With an operation led by the Navy SEALs, the United States took swift action on April 12 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.”
What God Has Done for You
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.
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “What 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 15:44What 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 worthless. Why? Because Christ is the only 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 says, “For 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 the Lord Jesus 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.
When you reach out for the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, you aren’t looking for a religious experience but a living, personal Saviour. Find more in From Guru to Gospel Preacher.