Rescue Operations

The news is full of the the options for rescuing people from Libya. It seems to some, especially the retired 'Top Brass',  that Britain no longer has the capacity to mount an effective rescue, because we don't have the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, nor operational Harrier fighters.
But news from New Zealand, after their earthquake, is moving beyond the rescue phase. Sadly, we are being told to expect only to find those missing and presumed dead.
But talk of rescue operations extends beyond these news grabbing events. There are bankers still trying to perform rescue operations with assorted British banks. The Health Secretary tells us that the NHS needs a rescue operation - though his opponents believe the NHS needs to be rescued from him!
The Bible is full of stories of rescue operations. the obvious Old Testament story if of the the Hebrew slaves being rescued from Egypt. This event, recalled annually in the Jewish Passover celebrations, identified the chief activity of God as a rescuer from evil and death.
In the New Testament, Jesus is the One who provides the rescue that we need. St. Paul reminds his friends from Colossae what the Lord has done for us.
'May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.' (Colossians 1.12-15)
These remarkable words will repay repeated reflection and meditation. When we look a what the Lord has done for us - bringing us from the darkness of not knowing God into a relationship in which we have a solid future based on God's mercy - then we have good reason for joy - whatever our present circumstances.
Today, I shall recall that I have been rescued - and that I am forgiven and free.

Best wishes,
Richard