A Spiritual Rescue Mission

Wednesday, October 1

Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

“And I [Jesus] also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Devotion

In his sermon, Pastor Franklin used the example of the prophet Jeremiah being rescued from a pit, at the king’s command, by people using rags to lift him out. He encouraged us that 1) we all needed rescue, and 2) though our righteousness is like filthy rags compared to God’s righteousness, Jesus (the King of kings) sends us to help rescue others.

When Jesus came, He announced in the synagogue that He fulfilled the promise in Isaiah that says, in part, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor … to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1-2).

While He and His disciples did give gifts to the poor, Jesus’ anointing was spiritual. He is the living water, the bread of life. In today’s verse, we see that, although there will be spiritual opposition, Jesus gives authority to His followers to help bring spiritual freedom to others. Jesus continued, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

The church is not primarily a social club looking for charitable ways to help others. We are redeemed sons and daughters of the King of kings, sent to rescue lost, captive, and dying souls in the Name of Jesus. In this, there is no place for pride. Rather, we trust that God’s power will accomplish His purpose despite our weakness.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I lift up to You those who do not know You as Lord and Savior. I pray for hearts to be softened to receive the message of salvation in Christ. I know this is Your heart’s desire, that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Use my life, my family, and my church to reach the lost and to share Your message. May we speak a word in season to those without salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Apply It Today

Link Up in Faith: Meditate on Matthew 16:19. Pray for unity in your church or family, asking God to strengthen your connections to rescue others.

Resources

• Serve Teams: Volunteer to walk in your calling through Kingdom service. freechapel.org/serve

• Dive deeper into Scripture: Read Jeremiah 38:9-13 and praise God for rescuing you out of the pit of sin and spiritual starvation with His merciful hand!