The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Some people just don't want to be saved.

That seems to be the situation for the man who, on March 11th, climbed over a wall and waded into the rapids of the Niagara River. Rather than trying to swim back to safety, he struck out into the current and was washed over Ontario's Horseshoe Falls.

The man survived both the fall and the falls. Using a helicopter to wash the man closer toward the shore, the final rescue was performed by firefighter Todd Brunning who swam 200 feet into the freezing water to save the unidentified man.

When Brunning reached the man, the fellow couldn't, or didn't, want to cooperate.

Fire Chief Douglas Kane said he believes "this is only the third time an unprotected person has gone over the falls and survived." He added, perhaps unnecessarily, "most people end up dying."

Does that man's story sound like the human situation? By that, I mean we are swept away by sin and need to be rescued. I suppose there are some similarities, but there are also some major differences.

For example, the man had a choice to enter the water or not; sinners have no such choice.

The man probably had a choice to help save himself or not. We don't have that option either.

Occasionally, somebody can go over the falls and survive. That will not be the case for unforgiven sinners.

Truly, by our own reason or strength we cannot get to the safety of shore. It is only through the help of the Savior we can be saved, and our Savior had no safety rope when He came for us. Jesus gave Himself -- totally and completely -- to save us from sin, death, and the devil. It was an action that cost Him His life on Calvary's cross.

Still, because Jesus has successfully defeated sin, the devil, and death, all who believe in Him as their heaven-sent Substitute are saved. And that is the biggest difference of all.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for giving Your life so I might be rescued from death, my deepest gratitude and everlasting thanks. Now, saved from sin, may I lead my life in gladness for all You have done. In Your Name. Amen.

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In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 1-2    Luke 2:1-24

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