Devotion / Rescue from the Valley of Death
The Valley of Death
The Valley of Death. What a fear-filled term!
In one battle from the Vietnam War, 450 American soldiers were outnumbered by 2,000 enemy troops. The bravery of Major Bruce Crandall saved many lives that day in 1965. Into fierce gunfire, he flew for 14 hours straight to rescue the wounded. Two of his choppers were so badly damaged they couldn't fly back in. One officer explained that if Crandall hadn't flown those missions, "every man would have died."
Without a rescuer, people die.
Rescuers needed
In Proverbs 24:11-12, he calls us to rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. He adds, If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?
Can witnessing be the rescue those led away from God need? Can sharing your faith be the difference between someone living or dying? Yes!
The unrescued
Think of the billions who need rescue from the hopeless Valley of Death because of their sins. God has clearly told us of their predicament. They are described as those who:
are staggering toward slaughter (Proverbs 24:11).
are lost (Luke 19:10).
are condemned (John 3:18).
are without hope and without God (Ephesians 2:12).
will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord" (2 Thessalonians 1).
Jesus, the rescuer
Our loving Lord sent his Son to rescue all who are trapped in ignorance and sin. We who have been rescued are compelled by gratitude to let others know Jesus has rescued them, too. We are witnesses who can testify about this saving news.
Countless lives are trapped in the Valley of Death. They need a rescuer.
Through the power of God's Spirit in your life, you can connect them with the Rescuer. You can be the one who explains what Jesus did for them and for the whole world.
Prayer
Father God, the Valley of Eternal Death menaces all who do not know you. Your dear Son Jesus has provided the rescue. Help us to boldly share this good news with all the world.
By Dave Payne
Be a "Rescuer"
316NOW strives to share God's message of rescue with Chinese people around the world. For those trapped in the Valley of Eternal Death, their only hope is rescue by those who see their hopeless plight. God has given you those eyes to see. And he’s given you more. As he promised Moses, he promises you, I will be with you.... Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say (Exodus 3:10, 4:12).