Articles
Rescue the Perishing
The eyes of the world were turned south to see if the rescue would succeed. The 33 Chilean miners were buried 2000 feet down, under 700,000 tons of rock. After 70 days, the first man emerged to shouts and tears of joy. Soon, all were safe, and thanking the many rescue workers who came from all over the world to help free them from the mine. One month later, all eyes turned again to the south, this time to New Zealand. But the rescue effort ended quickly, when all 29 miners died in a second explosion. Despite all who were willing to help, for those families there were only tears of sorrow and loss.Both incidents illustrate the call to “rescue the perishing” found in Jude 22-23. Both required desire and confidence on the part of the rescue teams, tempered by caution. Before the 33 were saved, many people incurred great cost to help. Rescue workers went down into the mine at great, but calculated, risk to help get them out. But New Zealand showed us that not every rescue attempt will be successful, and all attempts require some level of caution. Likewise, Jude warns about the dangers of false teachers, and the fiery judgment waiting for them. He does not want us to fall with them, but ends his letter with a call for us go all out to rescue them, yet with caution. From The New Living Translation: “Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”
It starts with compassion, “on some have compassion” (NKJV, vs. 22). This word is frequently translated mercy, and means “kindness or good will towards the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.” The rescue efforts captured so much attention because people care! While most of us couldn’t go to Chile or New Zealand, we can go to our friends and neighbors who are perishing in sin. And we should, for the same reason – we care!
So why don’t we reach out more to our friends and neighbors? Perhaps we lack confidence? Jude began with four action phrases: build yourself in faith, pray, keep yourself in God’s love and look for the mercy of Jesus (vs.20-21). Rescuers didn’t just run down a shaft with picks and shovels; they gathered people who were prepared. Confidence comes to those who actively prepare. Are we prepared?
Any rescue effort has risk. We need caution to not get burned. “Others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire” (v. 23). Jude makes it clear that false teachers are dangerous, and we need to be afraid. If we get too emotionally connected, and can’t let go, we can fall into the fire with them. But with a cautious, confident compassion we can save some. Heaven’s eyes are watching.
