Deep in the coal mine the two Meng brothers were encouraged as they listened to the sound of digging above them. It was late August 2007, and the two men were still alive in one of China’s dangerous coal mines after the tunnels had collapsed. The illegal mine had no ventilation or emergency exits and, if it hadn’t been for the encouraging sound of rescuers above them, the two brothers would have lost all hope.
Their cell phone lit up their dilemma faintly for two days, but then they were in complete darkness. At the same time the sound of digging stopped. Officials above ground had decided that there was no chance the two brothers had survived, so they halted all rescue work.
The Meng brothers needed a rescuer—but nobody was going to come. Their families grieved helplessly for them now, while down below the two men sobbed through cracked lips as they were racked by hunger pains.
I am so glad that in the darkness of our sinful situation God has not given us up. He knows where you are and what you are doing. He has seen your distress of mind. Perhaps a little light from the Bible has given you a glimpse of the great need you have for a Rescuer. I well remember how the light of God’s Word made me realize my sinfulness and the impossibility of saving myself. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)).
The two brothers dug three horizontal tunnels, but they stopped because they were afraid they might be going in the wrong direction. Then they started digging a vertical tunnel, taking turns because it was too narrow for two to work at one time. They clawed their way through seventy feet of rock and coal, and ate coal to make themselves feel full.
After nearly six days underground they finally emerged, hardly able to crawl in their weakness. Of course, they surprised everyone and were rushed to a hospital for needed treatment.
You can’t work your way to God, but you can surrender to Him where you are. Maybe you are trying to be a better person. That is good, but it won’t purchase salvation. Maybe you intend to pray more or join a church. These actions also cannot purchase salvation.
Would it surprise you to hear that the Bible says that the price of salvation is paid? The Lord Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” He paid the price. He died for my sin. My friend, the Lord Jesus is a Savior. He wants to save you where you are, no matter how deep down in distress or problems you are. Will you come to Him? He’s right there near you, wherever you are.