God's Safety Manual

Years ago, I attended an all-day white water rafting adventure. There were several big rafts, each one with a trained commander at the back. We had to be trained in our position on the raft and trained on what to do if a member falls off. Then we were instructed on all our gear and how to tape the seams tight.

Since the waters were frigid with white rapids, there was little room for error. But as the instruction time was happening, people talked and laughed, ignoring the instructor. He shouted as loud as he could - “Pay Attention!!! You may think this is a joke, but a man died on this exact trip last month! Today it could be you!” The mood became serious. The people were listening now.

Through every period of time God has provided clear instructions for surviving this life. In Noah’s day, times were perilous and filled with violence. God said to Noah, "I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an Ark...” (Genesis 6:11-14).

In Lot’s day, the city was overtaken by sexual depravity. God sent two angels with a message...  “Up! Get out of this place! The outcry of the Lord against this people is so great, that He has sent us to destroy it” (Genesis 19). Like Noah, Lot was given an escape plan, and they fled before fire and brimstone fell.

Centuries later, Jesus came. He showed His power and grace for 33 years, with His ministry culminating at the Cross. Jesus told the disciples, “If I go away to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” But Thomas responded that they didn’t know the way. Jesus answered him saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

How precious to know that God has shown us the Way home. He always leads His own to Safety. May we diligently follow His instructions.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)