One-by-One

Over two months ago, a collapse in a Chilean mine brought the eyes of the world to a remote desert location, hoping against all odds that 33 men might possibly still be alive over 2,000 feet below the surface of the earth. Today’s news is that – ahead of schedule – the rescuers are bringing these men, one by one, out of that dark, isolated pit.

The rescue effort has been a remarkable example of global effort. Three different teams from five different countries have worked at different approaches in hopes that one would be successful in breaking through and creating a safe passage for escape. In the mean time, there have been specialists of every kind working to meet the needs of the trapped miners. Food, water, psychologists, therapists, and of course, family have all been available through a small channel drilled and made bigger to connect those trapped with their saviors on the surface.

But consider this: even after all this time, with no one to look at but their fellow miners, these men will, one by one, have to climb into a capsule that is only 28 inches in diameter. Outfitted with video and audio surveillance as well as oxygen and constant medical monitoring of each miner, they will ride inside this capsule for a grueling 20-minute ride out of darkness into very bright light – they even get special sunglasses!

But this is what came to my mind as I listened to the story: these men needed rescue from an outside source. They needed someone to be troubled enough to stop their routine and intervene with extreme yet precise actions. This takes me to a tomb near Bethany a couple of thousand years ago. Lazarus – beloved brother and devoted friend has died. Those closest to him knew it was coming, in fact they sent for the friend the Great Physician in hopes that He might be able to intervene. But He didn’t – at least not in time for Lazarus. But time is a realm given only to man (another writing for another time…).

Jesus did eventually come to a familiar town with familiar faces, now shrouded in grief and some in anger. “If you had only come…” were the accusing, angry, wounded words that greeted Him. “If” – spoken from hurt, anger, fear. Beth Moore teaches that those two letters (If) stand for two words: “I fear.” This is true for each one of us. When confronted by the challenge to step outside of our comfort zone, we often respond with the “what if” roll call.

But watch the awesome love of God in action. When Jesus arrives, his actions move to bring Lazarus out of the grave, despite still more words of concern from his “If” sister. Jesus – Almighty God with skin on – demonstrates His authority over death. Lazarus steps into the light of a day he never thought he would see. Jesus – the giver of life – saw fit to leave the residue of Lazarus’ grave with him. Lazarus still wears the bandages and rags meant to bind his body in death. The command from Jesus to those standing near (can you image what they were thinking at this point…): “Unbind him and let him go.” It took the help of some rescuers to get their hands dirty and to remove the rags.

How does your community remove the rags of your death? If you have accepted and stepped fully into the “life abundant” that Jesus offers, who is helping you to remove the residue of the death and decay in your life. To be sure, the Holy Spirit is there, but we all need a friend, a brother, someone who knows us and loves us and is willing to help us be free. I would love to hear about those whom you trust to be your rescuers and tunnel down through the stuff of your life to expose the life Jesus promised.