Amazing Rescue
Written by Mike & Marla Trahan, Josh & Janet Lampkin
August 17, 2020
The rescue of the 12 young soccer players and their coach from the flooded Tham Luang cave in Thailand captured the world’s attention for 18 days during the summer of 2018 and involved hundreds of divers, rescue workers, and experts from around the world working around the clock to save them.
When the Wild Boars soccer team entered the cave on June 23, 2018, they had no idea of the danger they would soon find themselves in. What started out as a fun adventure quickly turned into a life or death situation. They became trapped 4 kilometres inside the cave on a narrow rock shelf by rapidly rising flood waters with no food or fresh water.
The rescue attempt was hindered by strong currents, poor visibility, and further flooding due to the monsoon rains. But on July 2nd, after 10 days, they were located… hungry, cold, and wet, but alive. Now that the rescuers knew where the boys were located, they could provide them with food, blankets, and work on a plan to get them out. The danger was not over, however. Most of the boys could not swim, they were weak, and the way out was dark and dangerous with many narrow spots and tight passageways.
On July 8th, as time was running out due to forecasted increased monsoons, the dangerous rescue began. One by one, accompanied by three divers, each boy was dressed in a wetsuit, buoyancy jacket, harness, and facemask, attached to an oxygen tank and tethered to a rescuer for the long arduous journey to safety.
Each rescue took 2-3 hours and on July 10th, the final person was brought out of the cave and the world rejoiced! Sadness, however, also was felt because of the unfortunate loss of the life of one of the Thai Navy SEAL divers during the rescue preparations.
While the pleasure of sin may seem like a harmless adventure it will take you further and deeper into darkness. The danger that lies ahead for those who die in their sin is a never-ending darkness. “For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23 ESV
Like us trapped by sin, these 13 people were helpless to save themselves. The only way out was to be rescued by those willing to enter the dangerous cave and deliver them. Like these boys, we need someone willing to come to where we are to save us.
The Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be our rescuer. “… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” 1 Timothy 1:15 ESV
This involved the ultimate sacrifice when He gave His own life to save ours. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ESV
Jesus is our only way of salvation. “Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 ESV
This moment is your opportunity to be rescued and the Lord Jesus is able to save you. “Behold, now is the favourable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV
The boys did not refuse their rescuers… how will you respond?
“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3 ESV.