Rescued

Being “rescued”, what does that exactly mean?  I get the dictionary definition that states “saving someone from a dangerous or distressing situation”, but what is the Bible revealing when it says Jesus “rescued” me?

So here is my dilemma. I often understand terms in my brain logically, but do not feel them as passionately as I would like in my heart and soul. For instance, I understand in my mind that Jesus came to Earth as a man to save me from eternal death and darkness, to forgive me my sins, to provide grace, and to allow me to have a close and personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. The words make sense, but what about in my heart?  Do I really feel these statements through and through? Do I feel the rescue down deep in my soul and spirit? I want to really know in my heart that I am rescued and not just saying it because it is expected or the right thing to do. I want that passionate and heartfelt understanding that He came for me on a personal level.

The word “rescue” in the Bible is not the only one that made me feel this way. It is similar to other ideas like the concept of “grace”. I understand that the Lord provides me with grace every day, but do I really know it and feel it? What about “forgiveness” for my sins?  Do I really feel the weight of all the sin that Jesus had on his shoulders when He died on the cross and how I can now live my life with freedom and healing because of His sacrifice?

I decided one way to feel more connected to and passionate about the word “rescue” was to open up the Bible and find scripture that speaks to this idea.  Here are a few scriptures that helped me understand His rescue for me more clearly:

Colossians 1:13-14 – “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Psalm 143:9 – “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in you.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you.  Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and I will help you; surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Ezekiel 34: 11-12 – “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.  As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is away, his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.   But with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

The words and phrases in these scriptures that are helpful to me in understanding the rescue of Jesus more clearly are ones such as deliver, transfer, do not fear, strengthen, uphold, help, search, seek and endure. Try letting these words speak to you in a personal manner. No rescue is the same.

Another way that I have learned to feel these concepts in my heart more passionately is to ask Jesus specifically to show and speak to me more clearly about them. Praying for clarity, interpretation, revelation and wisdom as it relates to His personal relationship with me also helps me better understand His love on a deeper and more intimate level.   Matthew 7:7-8 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

A few weeks ago at our E6 Ministries Advanced Boot Camp, Jesus showed up for me in a personal manner unlike He had ever before. I had been praying prior to the event that He would give me everything that He had for me at the Camp, to hold nothing back and to speak clearly about whatever He had in store. On the second day of the event, He showed me specifically how and where He rescued me during a time of darkness in my life. It was as if Jesus and a band of His warrior angels were on a mission to rescue me and me only. The power of Jesus and His rescue were personal and for no one else. I now have a more intimate understanding of His love and what He did to rescue me from evil.  Words cannot fully describe how thankful I am to now know this part of my story. I will never be the same.

Let’s close by saying my understanding of the ways of Jesus is small. My knowledge of his commands and promises are weak. It’s a long journey of learning and character building. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt that He loves me and rescued me in an amazing way. Let’s keep asking, seeking and knocking.  He will answer!

Thanks for allowing me to share my heart.