Our Rescuer

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, PrayerTags:, , , , , ,

While reading the book of Acts, I noticed themes about God’s character and mankind’s propensity towards sin. I was in chapter seven after the Sanhedrin falsely accuse Stephen of blasphemy.

The high priest asks Stephen, “Are these things true?” In answer, Stephen gives a speech. He details Israelite history showing a pattern of Jewish rejection of God’s favored people, just like they rejected Jesus. In my heart, as Stephen tells about Joseph’s rejection, the words jumped off the page.

“But God was with him and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom. . .” (Acts 7:9b-10, CSB).

In the retelling of Old Testament history, God’s character shines—God is a Rescuer. He rescued Abraham from being childless, Isaac by providing a ram, Joseph out of prison, Jacob and his relatives from famine, three-month-old Moses from death in the Nile, and He rescued the nation of Israel.

Unfortunately, there’s a parallel history of mankind rebelling toward God. Sarah arrogantly laughs when hearing of a promised child; Jacob and Rebekah deceive Isaac to gain the blessing; Moses disobeys the LORD by striking the rock twice, and the Israelites continually murmur in discontent.

Stephen ends with a strong rebuke, “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your ancestors did, you do also” (Acts 7:51, CSB). His statement is as fitting and relevant today as it was during the writing of the New Testament.

Dear Reader, I hope this summary highlights how merciful the LORD is towards humanity. We each deserve His judgment and wrath, yet He is long-suffering. Will you heed the sharp reproach as a cautionary warning? We are drowning in sin and our Savior is watching and waiting for us to call out for help. He hears and rescues those who call upon Him. Let’s gratefully come to the LORD because He deserves glory and honor forever.

Prayer:
Dear Father God, thank You for loving us and making a rescue plan for all humanity. Put in me a desire to listen and obey. Holy Spirit, help me resist the evil one rather than You. Give me faith to trust You, contentment in Your provisions, and joy in Your righteousness. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Supporting Scriptures:
Genesis 17:15-22, God promises Abraham a child.
Genesis 18:1-15, Sarah laughs in disbelief at the LORD’s message.
Genesis 22:1-14, God provides a ram to rescue Isaac.
Genesis 27:1-38, Jacob deceitfully obtains his brother Esau’s birthright blessing.
Genesis 41:14-24, God rescues Joseph from prison.
Genesis 45:8-18, God rescues Jacob and his family from famine.
Exodus 2:1-7, God rescues Moses from the Nile river.
Exodus 12:31-42, the Israelites are freed from slavery.
Numbers 20:1-12, in anger, Moses displeases God.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

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Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

13 thoughts on “Our Rescuer”

  2. The words from Psalms come to mind, Manette Kay: “Lord, If you marked our transgressions, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared.”

    As I read your post, I kept thinking how I need to forgive others, like God forgives me. It’s tempting to be both judge and jury about something, or someone without knowing all the facts.

    I always enjoy your heart felt prayers, as well.

    🙏God’s best to you, sister.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. David, thank you for this wonderful addition. The Psalm is fitting and appropriate. It is easy to fall into becoming “judge and jury” especially in our minds. That’s where the battle needs to end it before it becomes anything more than a slain thought.

      Yehovah bless you.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. We each deserve judgment and wrath. His in His mercy has rescued us. May we never forget that as we can be quick to look at others and point fingers. A humbling reminder of our state and how much we need Jesus every single day.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. What a precious study Manette, thank you. The constant cycle of Israel rejecting God, seeking Him, and God forgiving/rescuing them is a clear picture throughout the Bible. And we learn in life that we are no different today, Hallelujah that He rescues us when we fall. May we always remember His compassion towards us, that we may follow Him closely each day.
    May our Father God continue to bless you sister 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

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