Thirty-three trapped miners, sixty-nine days of isolation, and the resolve and resources of a nation culminated in an extraordinary rescue on October 12 and 13.
The San Jose mine in Chile was buzzing with activity and a corresponding hope. Necessity had embraced innovation and a make-shift tunnel of over 2,303 feet had been constructed to span the gap between life and death.
History will convey this story with vivid images, with passionate story lines, with compelling human interest… but history will most likely overlook the name of Manuel Gonzalez. Manuel was the first individual to use the rescue capsule. At 10:20 p.m. ET he stepped into the unknown; not to travel out of danger, but to travel into it. Yes, Manuel made the journey from liberty to confinement. He traveled into harms way, into uncertainty, as an ambassador of deliverance. The Wednesday issue of The Denver Post showed a picture of the trapped miners welcoming their first visitor in sixty-nine days. Manuel Gonzalez entered their captivity before he provided a means for their escape.
Manuel had been commissioned by President Sebastian Pinera with the singular mission, “Bring back our miners.” And so he did. At the risk of his own safety. Manuel entered the darkness in order to bring light.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. ~ Galatians 4:4-7 (ESV)
Manuel Gonzalez gave us a compelling image of Jesus.
God’s Son left on a rescue mission for mankind. He entered our world so that He could usher us to His.
Yes, from death to life. There was no Presidential commissioning, but rather the will and plan of God to satisfy justice through the lavish extension of grace.
God sent His Son. Our rescuer.
He sent Him into our mess, into our confinement, into our captivity to show us the way out of the darkness and into His glorious light.
The rescue in Chile started when Manuel Gonzalez went first.
{ 0 comments… add one now }