Colossians 1:13-14 – “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  NASU

Colossians 1:13-14 – “For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,¹⁴ in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].  Amplified

The KJV renders it “delivered” and that is powerful and a clear description of what transpired. The rendering of “rescued” is also incredible and wonderfully encouraging as it reflects the ‘Mission of God’ about man.  In this picture we see The Living God, Jehovah sending forth His Special Forces Team to RESCUE man from the devil’s dominion and power.

He sent the prophets to condition man’s heart to receive the Messiah.  Then, in the perfect time, He sent Gabriel to that young Jewish maiden chosen to receive the divine seed and produce the Christ Child.  He chose the path that would allow Jesus, as man, to satisfy the Law and Divine Justice and as God to draw men to Himself.  Jesus became God’s “A” Team and Special Ops Force to defeat and dethrone the devil.  Jesus thwarted the devil at every hand.  He was tempted in all points as we yet WITHOUT SIN.  He was sinless and thereby the only sacrifice possible for the sin of man.  He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  He took our place, endured our pain and punishment, and RESCUED us.  The tragedy is that too many reject His offer of deliverance and rescue.

He has drawn us to Himself out of the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of God.  Hallelujah!  In Jesus, we have redemption because of and because of His sacrifice.  Yes, we receive grace by faith but there would be nothing to exercise faith for had He not come on His Divine Rescue Mission.  He canceled sin’s penalty through the Cross for those who repent and believe.  The devil has no legal claim to any person because of the Cross.  Many, live under his dominion simply because they have not heard or have not received the offer of Jesus.

I am RESCUED!  I am DELIVERED!  I am a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus!  I am FREE!  The life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of and in the Son of God.  In Him, I live and move and have my being.  In Him, I am more than a conqueror.  In Him, I have HOPE!  My fellow believer, you have been RESCUED, therefore live like you have been.  Resist and reject the deception of the devil and stop viewing him as an all-powerful force. HE IS NOT!  Jesus triumphed over Him and took the keys of hell and the grave from him.  We have not only been RESCUED but we have been EMPOWERED and EQUIPPED to live the abundant life promised.  We are able to take on the whole armor of God and pull down strongholds, set the captive free, and we are people of HOPE! 

My RESCUED friend I encourage you to lift up your eyes and look to your source of help, GOD!  Determine in your heart that you will no longer live in the shadows but because you are seated in heavenly places with Christ you will live triumphantly!

God, bless you as you enforce the victory of Calvary in and through Jesus!