On Oct. 13, 2010, 33 miners were trapped deep beneath the Atacama Desert in Chile. About noon, they were suddenly surrounded by unusual vibrations, and then there was a LOUD BOOM above them. A stone slab, twice the size of the Empire State Building and weighing 770,000 tons, had dislodged. They were entombed!
Trapped 2,300 feet below the desert’s surface, there was no escape! The headlamps on their helmets now provided their light. They had little food and water. How would you react to inescapable entrapment?
Above, family and rescuers gathered.
For the next several days and nights, the miners shared life stories. They encouraged one another, “Don’t lose hope!” They knew, “because Jesus was buried in a tomb, but raised, we also will be raised!”
If trapped in a deep, dark, inescapable tomb, what would you be thinking? Today, what are you thinking about your life?
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ( Jesus)…in Him all things hold together. He is… head of the body, the church… and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself…having made peace through the blood of His cross…He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death…to present you before Him holy and blameless…if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you have heard” (Colossians1:13, 17-18, 20, 2223).
What’s your story of freedom and hope in Jesus? Do you have one, or are you still trapped in the darkness of sin?
Freedom came after SIXTYNINE DAYS for all 33 miners. Being reunited with family, who anxiously waited above, it was a great day of rejoicing!
God’s Word teaches that anyone still living in sin is similar to those miners. To reject Jesus is like having the burden of that 770,000-ton stone slab. No way out! No hope!
All of your good intentions or positive thinking can’t give you freedom from sin. Wishing away the darkness of your sin cannot erase your entrapment in it.
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke15:10) Every Christian has a survival story. It can be shared with anyone. The story of freedom and hope in Jesus can also rescue others and can become their story!
“So if the Son ( Jesus) sets you free, you really will be free” ( John 8:36).
Ultimate freedom can only be found in Jesus. When He frees you from sin’s darkness, there will be great rejoicing in heaven!