I read a story about a South African homeowner who surprised nine men robbing his house. Seven fled, but he managed to push two into his backyard pool. When he realized one could not swim, he jumped in and rescued him.
You would expect gratitude. Instead, the robber called for his friends to return, pulled a knife, and threatened the very man who had saved him! The homeowner pushed him back into the pool, but when he began drowning again, the homeowner rescued him a second time.
How could someone respond to mercy with such ingratitude? Before we answer too quickly, perhaps we should examine our own hearts.
How often has God shown us mercy, only for us to return to the very things He has warned us against? How often have we received His forgiveness while resisting His direction?
Saul's life gives us a sobering example. God repeatedly confronted his disobedience and gave him opportunities to respond. Yet Saul continued to resist. By 1 Samuel 31, his tragic story reaches its end. God's patience should lead us to repentance, never to presume that disobedience has no consequences.
Still, consider how patient the Lord has been with us. He has pursued us, corrected us, forgiven us, and called us back. His discipline is an expression of His love, and His mercy is a reason to draw near.
Another rescue story tells of a woman pulled from freezing water. Afterward, she kept saying, "I want to see him." Those around her thought she meant her husband or her son. Finally, they asked, "Who do you want to see?"
Those words stir my heart. Do we long to see the One who came to save us?
Jesus left the glory of heaven and entered our broken world. He bore our sins on the cross, died in our place, and rose again. Our rescue cost Him His life. What love! What mercy! What a Savior!
Today, let's look beyond the blessings we have received and turn our hearts toward the One who gave them. Let's respond to His patience with repentance, His mercy with gratitude, and His love with obedience.
Let's never forget the One who came to rescue us: Jesus.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have received Your mercy and resisted Your voice. Thank You for coming to save me. Give me a grateful heart, a willing spirit, and a deeper desire to know You. Help me live today remembering what my rescue cost You. Amen.