ODJ: rescued

October 29, 2015 

READ: 2 Samuel 22:1-20 

May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! (v.47).

Window washers Juan Lopez and Juan Lizama were riding on a scaffold to the top of a New York City skyscraper when the left side of their platform gave way. The two men dangled there, 69 stories above ground, for about 2 hours. Rescue workers decided to cut a hole in the side of the building to reach the men. After working for 45 minutes, they successfully sliced through three layers of glass and pulled Lopez and Lizama to safety.

In the Bible, David knew how it felt to be rescued—the sensation of relief, the exchange of anxiety for joy. He was in mortal danger during a battle with the Philistines. A wave of exhaustion overtook him, and at that moment a descendant of the giants was closing in to execute him with a sword. But a fellow warrior stepped in and killed the Philistine, saving David’s life (2 Samuel 21:15-17). When David couldn’t help himself, someone else intervened.

The Bible records a song of thanksgiving written by David in the chapter following his near-death experience. In the lyrics David credits God with his rescue. He speaks of His mind-blowing power (22:10-16). He revels in God’s favour (vv.36-40). And, near the end of his song, he says, “May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!” (v.47).

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day-plan: Acts 14:1-28

MORE
Read Exodus 15:1-5 to see how God rescued the Israelites. Look up Nahum 1:7-10 to see how God can be both a rescuer and an avenger. 
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At what times in your life have you been most thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice? From what do you need to be rescued today?