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Themes God is able to save RESCUE FROM ABOVE Scott hit the ground running! There was not a moment to lose. He knew the enemy would soon be looking for him ... and then? On the beautiful summer day of June 2, 1995, Scott O'Grady and Captain Bob Wright were flying their F-16 fighter jets over Bosnia. Suddenly, Scott could see a surface-to-air missile headed straight for his plane. He had only 20 seconds of warning! The missile hit with a thunderous crash, splitting the jet in two! Scott quickly pulled the ejection handle and within seconds he was hanging in his parachute 8,000 meters over the Bosnian forest. As he slowly floated down into enemy territory, he watched his flaming jet crash into the ground below. When he landed, he tore off his parachute and ran into a small cluster of bushes. Enemy soldiers were everywhere. Scott burrowed down into the ground, covering his neck and hands with leaves and dirt. He could hear the Serb soldiers swarming into the area. "Where is he?" they called. "He can't be very far away." A couple of them passed within 3-4 feet, poking the ground with sticks. Scott lay very still, his heart pounding. He dare not make a sound! Finally, the soldiers moved on to search another part of the forest. For six long days and nights Scott hid in the enemy's land. He was so hungry he had to eat insects and drink rain water from a little Zip-loc bag. He was helpless to save himself. Death was all around him. The only way he could look was up! One day in desperation he quietly whispered into his radio, "BASHER 52 NEEDS YOU - I'm ALIVE - HELP!" Captain Thomas Hanford, flying over the area, was amazed to hear the voice. With tears in his eyes, he flew back to the Command Center with the news that Scott O'Grady was alive. It was just getting light when the first rescue helicopter landed in enemy territory. Twenty American soldiers jumped out with their guns ready while another chopper landed alongside. Scott did not hesitate for a moment. He ran for the open door. Strong arms reached out to haul him aboard. As the giant bird lifted off, Scott, shivering from the cold and fear, said over and over again, "Thank you." "Thank you." "Thank you." Just like Scott O'Grady, Jacob would never forget the day when help and salvation came from above. Do you know this is true for us today? The Lord Jesus Christ came from Heaven to rescue sinners. "The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The United States Air Force men risked their lives but did not have to die to save Scott. However, when Jesus came, He knew He would have to die at Calvary to bring us to safety. Thank God the Lord Jesus said about the cross and His dying for sins, "For this cause came I into the world" (John 12:27).
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Andrew Musch
