Memory Verse: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46
“Watch out!” These were the only words of warning that the two coal miners had before the roof of the mine caved in. They had been working together in the Pennsylvania coal mine when the accident happened. Coal, wood supports and rock fell all around them. When it finally stopped, the two miners were only slightly injured, but they were trapped in the mine in total darkness 300 feet below the surface.
For the next six days they crawled along the floor of the mine looking for a way out. They slept for short periods huddled together for warmth. They drank the bitter sulfur water and ate bark from the support timbers. What an awful condition to be in! Yet we know from God’s Word that if we are not saved, our condition is even worse than these miners. “When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6. Without Christ as our Saviour we are hopelessly lost. There is nothing we can do to help ourselves. We need the help of somebody else just as these trapped men needed help from others to be rescued.
As the men grew weaker they stopped trying to find a way out. They had just about given up hope of being rescued when they heard drilling noises. Rescue workers on the surface had been working continuously for nearly a week. Holes were being drilled through the rock in many places above the tunnel to see if the men could be found. The rescue workers also had about given up hope of finding anyone alive.
Suddenly a drill broke through near the trapped men! Then they heard voices! They quickly yelled up the hole that they were down there. A larger hole was drilled so that a light could be lowered to the trapped men. This was followed by food and water. Finally, the hole was widened to eighteen inches. One at a time the two men were lifted up by a rope and harness which had been lowered to them. What a happy sight when they reached the surface where their families and friends had been waiting!
Every true Christian knows the Saviour is the One who has rescued him. Christ died on Calvary so that you might be rescued from sin and eternal death. Now He is waiting to give you new life. Like the trapped miners whose rescue depended entirely upon others from above, you also must be saved through Christ alone. If the trapped men had refused to be rescued, what would have happened to them? They could have survived for only a short time longer. It is only a matter of time for you, too, if you are not saved. Christ offers you salvation NOW, today. It is a free gift and is within the reach of everyone. “By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men.” Romans 5:18. The miners were very glad and thankful to be rescued. Have you been rescued? If not accept His offer of rescue to you now. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.
ML-08/17/1980