The tranquility of the neighborhood in Ludwigshafen, Germany was shattered when an apartment building erupted into flames and billowing smoke. What caused the fire would be investigated later but the most urgent matter at hand was the rescue of the people in the building. The stairwell was engulfed in flames. Not everyone would make it. Some lost their lives.
On the third floor one family filled with terror stood helplessly at the window. Fire fighters, policemen and on-lookers gathered on the street below and did what they could to help. All members of this family would not make it either.
Erdal Calar looked at his little 8 month old nephew held tightly by his mother. Were his mother’s arms the safest place for little Onur? Uncle Erdal assessed the worsening situation. Forty feet below, an unidentified policeman held his arms open wide in readiness to catch the infant.
Mr. Calar said: “It was the last chance. I saw the cop with his arms outstretched holding his jacket like a safety net. I looked him in the eyes and knew it would be OK. I kissed Onur one last time and then I let him fall.” 1
Onur fell into the arms of the policeman. Would he have lived had such dramatic action not been taken by his uncle? That will never be known. Sadly, some others in that family circle never survived. But Onur himself, although too young to understand what happened, was saved by a caring uncle who trusted the arms of a policeman.
Have you ever been alarmed about your sins? Have you ever realized the danger you are in spiritually? A disease may take you to the grave but your sins will take you to Hell. There is nothing more urgent in your life just now than to be rescued from your sins. The danger is very real and sadly many die in their sins. They never make it to safety.
There is good news for you. There are arms open wide to rescue you – not from a burning building but from a literal Hell. The name of this Rescuer is none less than Jesus Christ Himself – the Saviour.
Uncle Erdal did not hurl his little nephew out into the dark, not knowing what would happen. Intelligently he assessed the situation and saw a policeman below who was able, willing and waiting to catch the infant. He said: “I looked him in the eyes and knew it would be okay.” Uncle Erdal put his faith in a person – the policeman below.
Spiritual salvation is not a leap into the dark or blind faith either. Are you willing to put your faith in a person whose name is Jesus? His arms were opened wide upon the Cross out of love for perishing people and they remain open to you right now. His eyes radiate love, compassion and forgiveness. Take a look. He is not only willing to save, He’s able. He has never lost one yet who has entrusted themselves to His care and keeping. He is worthy of your absolute and immediate trust.
The Bible says that when sinners were perishing and had absolutely no strength to help or save themselves, Christ the Saviour arrived and paid the penalty for their sins by His death upon the cross. (Romans 5:6)
Are you willing just now to trust Him as your Saviour?
Read Romans Chapters 3 and Chapter 5.