The Greatest Rescue Mission

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’” Luke 19:10 NIV 

In a story posted by Daily Mail yesterday, it was reported that: An experienced 49-year-old trail runner has been missing for six days after he vanished while on a grueling 28-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Search teams are desperately combing the remote Colorado landscape looking for Chad Pallansch, who was last seen at around noon on Wednesday. The software engineer from Fort Collins, Colorado, parked his car at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, officials said. The 5ft 7in marathon runner began his expansive route at the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday afternoon… Pallansch was reported missing on Thursday, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle is still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Some 55 responders, including 38 rescuers in the field, have been involved in the mammoth rescue mission which entered its fifth day on Monday. The odds look bleak but I’m praying that Chad is found before it’s too late.

And you know, when it comes to rescue missions, the Bible tells us that Jesus “came to seek and save the lost.” Knowing what those who died in their sin without accepting Him would face, Jesus made it clear that this life-saving mission was of utmost urgency and importance and was not to end upon His death. In fact, before Jesus ascended into heaven He ordered the disciples to fulfill the Great Commission, aka “the greatest rescue mission of all time.” A mission that will not be complete until the very last “lost” one is recovered and brought home. 

So do your part in this rescue mission my friend. Get out into your neighborhood and look for those people who may not know Jesus and tell them about the One who came to save them from the wages of sin. You will most certainly be saving them from a fate worse than death. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling what it means to love the lost in such a way that our hearts would be so moved by compassion for them that we would seek them out and share the Good News… which is the only way they can be saved from eternal damnation and enter into eternal life with You. Lord we pray for Chad today, that somehow he’s found and returns home safe. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!