Tomas Lopez guarded the Hallandale Beach north of Miami. He settled down in his high lifeguard chair under an umbrella for shade and watched the surf for struggling swimmers. He was one of several young lifeguards on duty.
In early July the beaches were busy, as you would expect on hot summer days. Suddenly a beach walker alerted Tomas to a swimmer struggling in an “unprotected” part of the beach.
I wonder what thoughts went through Tomas’s mind. Did he say, “Oh well, he should know better than to swim in that section”? Or did he say, “I’m not going over there to risk my life for somebody who can’t read the signs”?
Actually, Tomas did not hesitate. He ran quite a distance and went to help a man who needed a rescue. The man was rescued and rushed to the hospital.
What Tomas did not expect was what happened next: He was fired for leaving his assigned part of the beach. But he said, “I would do it again if I had to. ... It was the right decision.”
This article made me think of a Bible verse: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)). What is it saying? It says He came to save people who were out of bounds, people who had strayed. That’s what the word “sinner” means. Perhaps you can see yourself in that position.
Speaking for myself, I know I crossed the line many times to do my own will, to do what felt good. I knew what the Bible said; I could read the “sign,” but I did what I wanted anyway. I thought I could live away from the eyes and view of God.
But I thank God He did not abandon me there. He was interested in me. He knew how and where I had strayed.
Yes, that’s why Jesus Christ came. The Bible also puts it this way: “The Son of Man [Jesus] is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)).
He knows when you’ve crossed the line and why. He still sees you and He wants to rescue you. Will you call on Him to do this? He has saved others, and He will do it again. He’s not worried about being fired.
Here is an encouragement for you. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)).