Salvage

“This is what the Lord says: ‘As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and people say, “Don’t destroy it, there is still a blessing in it,” so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all.’ ” (Isaiah 65:8) 

I learned something about myself years ago, I like a salvage operation. When is see value in things that have been neglected or written off in an economic return analysis, it is occasionally becomes an adventure and purpose which overrides profit. I am an artist and we are driven by inspiration, vision and possibility, rather than money, profit or return on investment. Purpose is the greatest motivation which will hold one to accomplishment when other motivating factors fail. Accomplishment leads to satisfaction and satisfaction to fulfillment and achievement. I can assure you these are worth more than money can buy or entertainment or pleasure render. 

God operates a grand salvage operation in you and I as we are not worth His grace in redemption, but it is His nature. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;” (Isaiah 42:3) In many penal institutions, Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Teen Challenge recovery centers, Narrow Gate and too many others to name, God is conducting His salvage operation for souls. I think we are all part of His salvage operations. 

God knows the gift of life He put within each person and He knows how valuable it is, even though we act as if it is our due. We are fallen in sin and none of us is good or worthy of His grace. (Rom. 3:23; Daniel 9:8; 1 John 1:10; Jer. 14:20; Ps. 106:6; Lam. 3:42) Nevertheless, He is abounding in love and mercy. He is wise and knows all things and the end from the beginning. He knows what joy there is in a prodigal son returning home. He knows what delight there is in finding a lost coin. He understands what finding a pearl of great value means and requires. 

When we see with His values ours seem backwards and many things we chase are worthless and cannot satisfy or fulfill or give us purpose and meaning for which we were created. All my confidence is in Him and that gives me hope for you and I. In fact, if you know Yeshua, I’m sure I could see a resemblance of Him in you, budding like a spring blossom reflecting His design and Glory eternal, things the world neglected and considered not worth its effort.