The Savior King

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it produces equal parts confusion and sadness. In the rough and tumble world of an urban Trauma Center, it's especially inscrutable. The patient is usually a man who arrived by ambulance, or a loved one brought by anxious relatives. The labs are drawn, imaging studies performed, and the diagnosis clear. There's usually even a plan for treatment. And then it happens. The patient announces, "I'm leaving!" It's a stunner every time. Sure enough, after the explaining and the warning and the documenting, off he goes, "Against Medical Advice."

It's hard to watch. You know they need help, and even they know they need help. They will probably soon die. They are leaving the very place that has resources to care for them, and yet they will not receive that help. Why would that ever happen? Why would anyone refuse the rescue offered them?

When Saul came to rescue his kinsmen from the Ammonites, the account has a dramatic and happy ending. The Israelite town of Jabesh-gilead was surrounded. The diagnosis was straightforward. The condition of the townspeople was terminal unless they agreed to a horrible fate. There were only bad options. They could have an eye gouged out and live as maimed, conquered people, or fight in a battle they would certainly lose. So they cried out for rescue, for some unimaginable other way, for a hero.

The scripture is clear what happens next. Surprised by the whole affair himself, God's chosen leader, empowered by God's Holy Spirit, musters the people of Israel, and they destroy the feared and hated Ammonites. God saved the people who absolutely could not save themselves.

That same, steadfast, loving God offers the same kind of rescue today. Besieged and held captive by sin, by "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions", no one can save themselves. So God has sent a hero, His only begotten Son. "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15)

But the sad and inscrutable reality is that some who need rescue refuse. They seem glad to have heard the message of Jesus, even empowered a bit. They clearly know the therapy their soul desperately needs. And they announce in word and deed, "I'm leaving!"

If that's you, please don't go. Don’t choose death instead of life. Cling to Christ, and, "you shall have deliverance."