Parallels To The Quecreek Mine Rescue
John 3:1-21

INTRO.: We have all witnessed something special this week. The rescue of nine men trapped in a hole some 240 feet down. To be honest, I doubted they would be alive. I am so glad they have been rescued.

We see a need today in so many lives. We see the need for a rescue of their souls. They need Jesus in their lives to snatch them from a terrible fate. I want to look at some parallels that exist to rescuing people and a rescue by the Lord.

 John 3:1-21 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? 13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

 

People choose to live in peril - Jn. 3:19-20

19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Even though they are aware of danger - it will wait
Even though they face eternity - they will escape
Even though they have been warned - hardened ears

Why?

They are creatures of habit - we're all like that
Hard to change
They feel they have no choice - feel we've been dealt the cards we have and we must lay down the hand we have
For many it is only temporary - intend to "get out" - who plans not to?

Bad information and assumptions leads people to make complete wrecks of their lives

Listen to friends, coworkers, family and false teachers - their map was outdated and wrong
They make false assumptions - I cannot live it, I am a pretty good person (but… all have sinned…), etc.
They believe they are powerless to have change in their lives
They are in darkness
They are "trapped"
They assume they have an abundance of time

Many people are truly concerned about the fate of those trapped in sin

As family, as friends, as strangers, as Christians
The savior is concerned (stood for Stephen - Acts )
The Father (parallel to mine owner that was anguishing)

Many people are watching to see what happens

(the world was looking in as rescue was attempted - they also do watch us to see our spiritual rescue)

Matt. 14:22-33 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

A rescue is captivating to see (we cannot help but pause)

Baby Jessica? caught in a well, the Korsk, 911 captivated us, we will even watch a stranded animal, etc.

There is great personal interest (from those that need rescuing)

People like the idea of a renewed hope (it gives them a hope)

As with Paul in the ship…

Acts 27:20-25 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

They may try the rescue if it works for us

Have you been rescued?
Do people know about your rescue?
Do you show this?

God extends His love and His rescue towards us all - Jn. 3:16,17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Patiently - did not give up
Purposefully - the rescue shaft found them - God knows where to search
Pursuing - 2nd shaft started when first was in trouble - He is seeking you

God's rescue is awesome

Achievable (conceivable)
Available (completed for us)
Absolute (conclusive)
Affordable (cost not a problem) - yet He did pay a tremendous cost
Assuring (confidence in the Rescuer)

Good
Gainful
Great (More than just good)
Generous

 

 

Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 072802am