Week 2
Day 1: In Jesus I am Rescued
Read: John 3:16–17, Colossians 1:11–14, Hebrews 2:14–15
SOAP: Colossians 1:13
“He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves…” Colossians 1:13
Devotion:
Have you ever needed to be rescued? Maybe your car had a flat tire and you found yourself stranded on the side of the road, or you were temporarily stuck in an elevator when the power went out. It can be scary to feel stuck, unsure of when someone will arrive to offer assistance, how long you might have to wait, or how much it might cost.
In Jesus we are rescued. Not from flat tires or power outages, but from the enemy of our souls and an eternity in hell, separated from God because of our sin. Not only are we saved, we are fully rescued, moved from where we were to a new, safe, home in the kingdom of God, with no bill to pay back. We are fully rescued, paid in full.
Our identity in Christ is based on what God has done for us, not what we have done for ourselves or anyone else. The way we act, treat one another, the words we speak and the motivations in our hearts are a reflection of who we are in Christ. As the rescued, we now have eyes to see where help is needed so we can serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us.
The more we learn about who God is, the better we understand who we are. And the more we understand and live out who we are as children of God, the more we will impact the lives of those around us in a way that draws others to the kingdom of God. The world’s definition of identity puts the focus back on us, while understanding our identity in Christ gives us a vertical focus, back on God, and a horizontal focus to serve others.
No matter what you are facing today, no matter where you need God to step in and rescue you, He is faithful. He will deliver you.
Prayer:
Father God, my heart is overwhelmed at the fullness of the rescue You offer me. Thank You for moving me out of darkness and into the glorious light of eternity with You. Help me to use what I’m learning about who I am in You to serve those around me.