There was no way out. Trapped and scared, twelve boys and their young assistant coach stared death in the face. On June 23, 2018, a Thai junior football team led by their 25-year-old assistant coach decided to follow up a practice session with some cave exploration. Unaware that a monsoon storm packed with heavy rain was lurking on the horizon, they entered the cave. Maneuvering through narrow passages, guided by their flashlights and a shared sense of adventure, they journeyed deep into the cave. But after traveling over a mile, with their thirst for adventure satisfied, excitement turned to dread. The return path was now blocked by rapidly rising water, leaving previously dry passages completely submerged. Forced to take refuge on an elevated shelf, they huddled together, wondering if help would ever come. They had no means of escape, and without rescue, they would certainly perish. Cold, hungry, and scared, they sat in total darkness for hours at a time, rationing their flashlight battery life. Their situation was grim.

Over the next week, intense public interest led to an international response. Rescue teams with significant diving experience joined the massive operation. On July 2nd, two British divers located the trapped team. After considering the possibilities, the operation specialists agreed upon a very complex and dangerous rescue plan. Heavily sedating the boys to prevent panic over the multiple-hour journey to the cave entrance would be required. Each boy would be fitted with a mask that had to remain securely in place as a diver maneuvered their precious payload through the narrow passageways. On July 8, the rescue team of specialist divers went to work. One by one, these 14- to 16-year-old boys were called upon to place their trust in the ability of a lead diver to escort them to a promised safe outcome. With their only hope for rescue before them, they submitted to the required sedation injection – it was out of their hands. Once the sedative took effect, the diver began the journey, tethering his now unconscious “package” (a term from the operation plan) to himself to avoid getting separated in the murky, black water. He cautiously passed through the many narrow passages as the duo slowly made their way to the cave’s opening. On July 10, the celebration commenced across the world as the final four boys and the coach emerged to safety. But the celebration was muted by the devastating cost. One diver died during mission preparation, and a second diver succumbed to complications from the mission a year later. Freedom from the absolute darkness, deep in a cave, was not free.

There is a powerful metaphorical message for our consideration. Do we understand our desperate need to be rescued? Some might ask, “Rescued from what?” The Bible tells us that we are born in rebellion against God, separated by the murky waters of sin – an impassable chasm leaving us trapped in spiritual darkness. The outcome of such rebellion is eternal separation from the only true God who desires a loving relationship with us. Yes, we are considering matters of importance greater than our temporary life on this earth. God calls us to confess our sinful ways and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the only means of rescue. But deceived by hope in this temporary world, we place our trust in objects that cannot rescue us from the absolute darkness of our sin. We search for our own solutions depending upon our own creativity, effort, and ability. How many of us are living on failing batteries in this temporary life hanging on to occasional bursts of light? The Bible says that “each man’s life is but a breath.” How that has proven to be true. And when this temporary life come to that inevitable conclusion, what will we say to God?

From all eternity, God established a plan that we might be rescued from spiritual darkness. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph 2:8-9). Trusting in His promises, we humbly experience the redeeming power made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son. Such a rescue came at an enormous price, which none of us truly understands. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins, enduring the wrath of God, suffering death on the cross so that through faith in Him we might be declared righteous. Doing what only God could do, He demonstrated His ineffable love for us, so that we could by faith emerge from the cave of despair into His glorious light. Standing at the entrance of the cave, we breathe the air of His freedom, are warmed by the light of His love, and find an inexpressible joy in what God has done. By His grace we are called to fellowship in the heavenly realms, eternally enjoying His presence. Receive the gift of salvation – a rescue mission that calls for celebration.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9