Casandra Martin

The world cheered as rescue workers brought the thirty-three men up. People around the globe held their breath as the capsule was lowered and one by one the miners trapped 2,300 feet below the earth were finally set free. People wept, prayed, hugged, and celebrated after sixty-nine days defined by fear.

It isn’t hard to see the hand of God in this moment. A situation that should have been defined by death and grief turns into a jubilant celebration of life. The miners become a picture of our hearts trapped by sin. There is no escape, no hope, no illusion that we can get out on our own. We need a Redeemer, a Savior, someone to come and rescue us.

The rescue was devised entirely on the outside. The equipment was put in place, a tunnel was drilled through the rock, and the plan was carefully mapped out. Before anyone could be drawn out of the mine, someone had to go into the mine. Someone had to leave the world of sunshine, making a perilous journey into darkness.

The journey was made. The sacrifice was freely given and a way into the world above was opened. As the rescued men come through the tunnel, watch the faces of the crowd around them. Pure joy. “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10.

Perhaps the neatest picture is the one off to the side. Situated near the mine is Esperanza – Camp Hope, the temporary home to the family and friends of the men trapped below. It sits as a picture of all that the church is called to be in this world.

My Jesus Resolution today is to celebrate. God is still working to rescue men trapped under the weight of sin. He sent Jesus into the darkness to show us the way into the light. Our job is to inhabit Camp Hope and show the world the power and possibilities of the cross. Our privilege is celebrating with every person who makes the journey from death into life.