The heroic story of the Chilean miners has captivated my mind and heart these past few weeks. Much of my prayer time has been spent reading the Book of Jonah, as the two stories closely parallel each other. In Jonah 2 we read, “From the depths of the grave I called for help, and You listened to my cry,” and, “To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God.” These verses of Scripture sound so similar to miner Mario Spulveda: “I was with God, and I was with the devil. They fought, and God won.” He told reporters that he grabbed God’s hand and never doubted he would be rescued. It is more than clear that God wants to speak to us just as powerfully through the story of these 33 men as He has through the tale of Jonah. This is more than just another news story. It is one that will challenge us and push us to grow in our faith.

We, as Christians, need to pay close attention to the team of the rescue workers. The men and women on that rescue mission have demonstrated to us our role as Christians. For three months, they worked tirelessly on a plan that would bring the miners trapped in underground darkness into the light of the world. When we first heard the miners were trapped, we were appalled and prayerful; but the team of rescuers immediately went into action. Unfortunately in our world today, there are many more than 33 people who are going to be spending their eternity in darkness. Hundreds, possibly millions, are on their way to the underground, separated from the Light.

Our hearts should be moved and shaken by this thought, yet many of us are content to sit in Bible studies and pray for these people rather than actually working to rescue them. We are the rescuers in our world. This modern parable reminds us of the need not just to plan and prepare our ministry, but to act with boldness and courage. Each member of the team of rescuers put everything on the line to save those men. The rescue was televised globally. One mistake, one detail overlooked could have resulted not only in them being held responsible for the death of all the miners, but also their reputations and their intelligence being ridiculed throughout the world. As they climbed into the tiny rescue chamber, they also put their own lives at stake. They had no way of knowing what the outcome would be, but took a risk because the lives were worth saving. We also must risk our pride, reputations, jobs, even our earthly lives in the hope of eternal lives being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. If it is worth the time and effort put in to give these miners more years on earth, is it not worth even more to assure them a life of eternity?

Let us bring this message to those living in darkness, the miners of our world—a message of hope, perseverance and deep trust in the life God has for all people. The Light we know is meant for sharing. Read the news stories of the miners again, but this time let it penetrate your heart. Hear God’s voice and call to be a rescuer.