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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: As a paramedic, I relate to rescue missions and find satisfaction in spending my life helping others. It’s been said that Jesus came to Earth on a rescue mission, but I’m not sure I understand what it means. – S.R.

A: Who doesn’t want to be saved? “Search and rescue” is a term we hear almost every day, whether in the newspaper, over the internet, or on television or radio. We watch people being saved from automobile accidents and children being saved from drowning. We read of others being pulled out of fiery flames, and sigh relief when military men and women save innocent lives around the world.

Most of us hope that if we find ourselves in dangerous situations, someone will come to rescue us. What we seldom stop to realize is that when we’re rescued from something, we’re saved for something. We feel indebted to the one who has saved us from disaster, impending doom, and perhaps death itself. But even if we are saved from such experiences, we will eventually find ourselves facing other threats, whether an incurable disease, a fatal accident, or something as natural as growing old and wearing out from progression of the cycle of life. No other human being, no matter how selfless or brave, can rescue us from the certainty of death. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be saved, that we have no hope of rescue. It just means we need to be clear about Who really saves us.

God undertook the most dramatic rescue operation in cosmic history. He was determined to save the human race from self-destruction, and He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to salvage and redeem us. The work of man’s redemption was accomplished at the cross.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.