Float trip is reminder of God sending Jesus to save us

Although June 20 is the first “official” day of summer, we all know it really kicks off on Memorial Day weekend. One of my favorite times of the summer as a kid was when we would go to the Cross Country Trail ride in Eminence (shout out to a true cowboy Don B).

During the week, we would enjoy horse riding, friends, and great food and normally go floating on the Current or Jack Fork Rivers. One of those float trips I especially remember as it was the day I got to see a picture of God’s salvation.

I was probably around seven or eight and during our canoe trip we pulled to the side to eat lunch. While everyone was eating and enjoying the time, I slipped into the river to swim. It was at that time, that I think I learned why that river was called the Current.

One moment I was by my family and the next second I was about 15 yards down. My little brain suddenly realized I was going to drown and I began yelling and screaming. I was not powerful enough to save myself from the intense waves.

The next thing I knew was my dad had run over and pulled me out of the water. As mentioned, this shows a picture of our salvation in Christ Jesus.

First, the Bible says we cannot save ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Too many people fight those waves of life, but our sin (the bad we do) keep us out of heaven.

When I was drowning my father was not thinking about anything except to save me. Because of this, he ran to my rescue. The reason he did this was he loves me and did not want me to die.

In the same way, God sent His Son to save us, because he loves us and does not want anyone to perish in hell.

Luke 19:10- ”For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 2 Peter 3:9- “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

He did this by dying for all sins and rising from the dead. The only action a person needs to take is to respond by believing in Him as their Savior. John 5:24 truly shows what happens: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

Have you heard and believed in Jesus Christ? If not, believe today and experience the salvation of God.

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