Rescued

Rescued                                                        06-03-16

2 Timothy 4:18 (ESV) ¹⁸  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Short and sweet this week.

Have you ever been rescued? I literally have. And more than likely the quick actions of my rescuer probably spared my life. At any rate, as I thought about that verse today a picture from June 5, 1989(I researched the date) came sharply into focus in my mind's eye. It was from Tianamen Square in China. Do you remember? A solitary man with two shopping bags in his hand, walked out and stood in front of a moving column of tanks, in a protest against the military crackdown on a student protest. A brief,but very intense standoff ensued and then it was over. The man has never been identified, nor has his safety and well being been determined. He is known simply known as Tank Man. It's worth a watch.

Now, the wisdom of his actions may be debated by some but that is moot isn't it? For a brief moment, this brave man was not controlled by fear, or the consequences of his actions. For those brief minutes this man was moved by his convictions. He resisted evil with selfless determination.

Sometimes in this life, we ae confronted with evil aren't we. It may be a head on, face to face confrontation; but, more than likely it appears very subtly and steathily. But, one thing is for sure, it originates from the enemy of our souls and it's intent is our devastation. Paul, however made a bold proclamation didn't he? He asserted that THE LORD would rescue us from EVERY EVIL DEED, and bring us safely home. When and how God chooses to deliver us is not the issue is it? Our final outcome rests in God's hands; and, he has promised those who name the name of Jesus a safe landing. 

Our responsibility is to trust in the Lord, yield to His leading as best we can, and stand by our CONVICTIONS. IS THAT RIGHT OR NOT? You see God has made clear how we are to resist the evil that pursues us and our loved ones. Go read Ephesians 6.  

 After having taken up the WHOLE armor of God, having prayed and spent time alone with God being strengthened and encouraged by Him, then and only then are we ready to stand.

  Ephesians 6:13 (ESV) ¹³  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
 
Look at the next two words in vs.14. "Stand therefore.........."

That word therefore means "Because of or for this reason"

Brothers and sisters, if we will seek God and His wisdom, for that reason we can stand against the evil onslaughts in the power of our convictions. Our rescue is promised.

Psalm 40:13-14 (ESV) ¹³  Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!
¹⁴  Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!


God Bless