Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Some years ago on the 15th of August, 1976 a regular
daily flight originated in Quinto, Ecuador and departed for the southern
Ecuadorian City of Cuenca. The normal flight of 40 minutes became a painful
mystery only recently solved. Flight # 232 never reached its destination. It
completely disappeared... for 26 years. Ongoing investigations turned up
nothing, until finally they were terminated, accepting the fact that 59
passengers and a 727 Boeing jet had vanished. Countless rumors were spread as
to the disappearance of flight # 232, but for many years the families of the 59
on board were not allowed peace of mind and closure as to the plight of their
loved ones. That changed in February 2002 as Chimborazo Mountain climbers
discovered the Boeing jet imbedded in the snow and ice of one of the highest
volcanic mountains in the world. The plane was almost intact and the bodies of
the passengers were kept preserved by the year-round icecap on the top of Mount
Chimborazo. The bodies have now been removed, identified, and finally after years of grief there has come a closure that
was not possible before.
However, this story does not end there. It contains a
tremendous lesson for those of us who have been rescued from death and included
in a kingdom of life and love. Perhaps the greatest of all sins is to know the
truth, to possess the knowledge that can free grieving hearts, but to conceal
that truth and knowledge. That happened with flight # 232. Upon finding the
wrecked plane and preserved bodies of the passengers, it was evident that
others had been there before. The passengers had been stripped of their jewelry
and wallets. When? That will probably remain unknown. What human being could
value jewelry and money over the desire to communicate the discovery of truth?
Truth that could heal aching hearts was hidden from those who so desired to know.
Selfish greed reigned while mercy and loving kindness was ignored. Someone(s)
will answer for their sin against the families of flight # 232.
As we consider our part in the scheme of God's plan of
redemption, do we truly understand the seriousness of not sharing what we have
come to know? Is it possible to really know Christ and not share what He has
done in our lives, what He means to us, and the difference He can make in the
life of all we meet?
Will you be the one to share the plan of redemption to
others?
Dear Lord we pray that we would not hide what we have but
share that great redemption that we have received from God. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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