God Our Rescuer

<p>In the open sea, a rescuer positioned her kayak to assist panicked swimmers competing in a triathlon. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t grab the middle of the boat!&rdquo; she called to swimmers, knowing such a move would capsize her craft. Instead, she directed weary swimmers to the bow, or front, of the kayak. There, they could grab a loop, allowing the safety kayaker to help rescue them.</p> <p>Whenever life or people threaten to pull us under, as believers in Jesus, we know we have a Rescuer. &ldquo;For this is what the Sovereign <smallcaps>Lord</smallcaps>&nbsp;says: I myself will search for my sheep . . . I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered&rdquo; (Ezekiel 34:11&ndash;12).</p> <p>This was the prophet Ezekiel&rsquo;s assurance to God&rsquo;s people when they were in exile. Their leaders had neglected and exploited them, plundering their lives and caring &ldquo;for themselves rather than for my flock&rdquo; (v. 8). As a result, the people &ldquo;were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them&rdquo; (v. 6).</p> <p>But &ldquo;I will rescue&nbsp;my flock,&rdquo; declared the Lord (v. 10), and His promise still holds.</p> <p>What do we need to do? Hold fast to almighty God and His promises. &ldquo;I myself will search for my sheep and look after them,&rdquo; he says (v. 11). That&rsquo;s a saving promise worth holding tight.</p>