Participants:
Series Code: IIW
Program Code: IIW001530A
00:10 ♪[Theme music]♪
00:20 >>John Bradshaw: This is It Is Written. I'm John Bradshaw. 00:23 Thanks for joining me. 00:25 The Atacama Desert in Chile is the driest place on Earth. 00:30 It's where the largest copper and gold mines in 00:33 South America are located. 00:34 And from the Atacama Desert comes a story of tragedy, 00:38 a story of uncertainty, yet a story of courage, 00:42 hope and, ultimately, a story of salvation. 00:46 [Heavy machinery sounds] 00:48 It happened on a Thursday. 00:50 It was August the fifth, 2010. 00:53 Five hours after starting their workday, 00:55 the land became a tomb for 33 men when a collapse in the mine 01:04 buried them 700 meters, 2300 feet below ground. 01:13 Imagine two Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each 01:17 other; that's how far down they were. 01:20 They were trapped in temperatures of up to 95 degrees 01:22 Fahrenheit - 35 Celsius, and they were trapped for 69 days. 01:30 The San José mine is located in the city of Copiapo 01:33 in northern Chile. 01:35 It was there that 33 men and their fellow workers 01:37 risked their lives daily to support their families, 01:41 mining copper and gold from the ground. 01:44 The events that unfolded there in the Atacama Desert 01:46 were watched by more than a billion people around the world. 01:50 It was one of the greatest rescues 01:52 in the history of humanity. 01:53 ♪[Music]♪ 01:58 That fateful day at the San José mine everything seemed normal, 02:03 just like any other day. 02:05 But in a matter of moments, 02:08 life took an unexpected turn for those 33 miners 02:11 and their families. 02:13 Now, can you imagine being trapped underground in a damp, 02:18 dark place with no way out? 02:20 [Hopeless theme] 02:22 After the mine collapsed, the men were totally 02:25 disconnected from the outside world. 02:26 They were unable to ask for help 02:28 or to tell rescue groups that they were alive. 02:32 No matter how much they shouted, nobody could hear them. 02:36 No matter how much they tried to escape, 02:39 there was no way out. 02:40 Now, initially, dust kept them from breathing normally, 02:43 even blinded some of them for some time, 02:45 some hours. 02:47 Some miners were injured. 02:49 And in addition to the physical exhaustion was fear, 02:53 the frustration and the uncertainty that quickly began 02:55 to invade their minds: 02:57 Will they come to rescue us? 02:59 Will they think that we are alive? 03:01 Will they forget us? 03:04 Now maybe you've thought about it; 03:05 maybe you've not. 03:06 But you and I, like those 33 men, 03:09 are trapped, with no way out. 03:12 Yes, it's true human beings can travel to the moon. 03:16 We've sent the Space Shuttle up and brought it back. 03:19 The International Space Station circles the globe. 03:22 Soon maybe we'll be able to travel to other planets. 03:25 But for now, the earth is our only home. 03:29 And you and I know only too well 03:31 that everything is not going well here. 03:34 Just turn on the TV, flick on the radio, 03:36 go online, and you'll be faced with bad news 03:39 that can change your life. 03:41 Today we're no longer surprised to hear about terrorist attacks, 03:44 the emergence of some strange disease, 03:47 or another random act of violence. 03:49 We hear of wars, 03:51 pestilences and famines in all kinds of places. 03:55 Maybe you or a loved one is experiencing hardships 03:58 of this kind, or a related kind. 04:02 The truth is, we are all trapped under a mountain of pain, 04:07 or illness, or hunger, or violence, 04:11 from which we just cannot escape. 04:14 And even if we install alarm systems to protect us from 04:16 theft, even though we try to take care of our health, 04:19 when we try to live quietly, not bother anybody else, 04:22 at some point, in some way, 04:25 we'll be the victim of evil. 04:28 At some point you and I will also ask ourselves: 04:31 Will someone come to my rescue? 04:33 Will there be a solution to my problem? 04:36 Is there anything we can trust? 04:39 You know, even though we're stuck in a place 04:41 with no way out, 04:43 God has prepared a refuge for us. 04:45 ♪[Bird chirping and bell chimes]♪ 04:48 It's a safe place where you and I can learn to shield ourselves 04:51 from the plans of the evil one. 04:53 And it's there that we can wait and prepare while we look 04:58 forward to the supreme rescue of Jesus Christ. 05:04 In the initial hours in which the miners were trapped 05:06 underground, they looked for ways out. 05:09 Now, to begin with, 05:10 they tried to escape through ventilation shafts, 05:13 but they soon discovered, to their dismay, 05:17 that the ladders required by law, 05:20 that should have been there to facilitate such an escape, 05:24 were missing. 05:26 Any other attempts were dangerous 05:28 because they could cause another collapse, 05:31 and with another collapse, there would surely be death. 05:35 There was no other option but to wait in the shelter, 05:39 a shelter that had previously been built underground and 05:42 that was specially designed with this type of situation in mind. 05:46 There, at least, they found a safe place to stay, 05:49 there they had some food to keep them for a few days. 05:54 From that refuge, finally, the miners came to a conclusion: 05:59 By their own physical strength they could not get out of there; 06:06 rescue would have to come from above. 06:10 I'll be back with more from this story 06:12 and from the Bible in just a moment. 06:15 ♪[Music]♪ 06:23 >>John: The greatest event in all of history. 06:26 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 06:28 What does the Bible say that will be like? 06:31 Find out by getting today's free offer, 06:33 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 06:35 To get today's free offer, 06:36 call us, 800-253-3000, 06:38 that's 800-253-3000. 06:41 Or visit us online at iiwoffer.com, 06:45 iiwoffer.com. 06:48 Be sure you get today's free offer, 06:50 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 06:53 ♪[Music]♪ 06:56 >>Announcer: Planning for your financial future 06:57 is a vital aspect of Christian stewardship. 07:01 For this reason, 07:02 It Is Written is pleased to offer free planned giving 07:05 and estate services. 07:07 For information on how we can help you, 07:09 please call 800-992-2219. 07:14 Call today, or visit our website, 07:16 hislegacy.com. 07:18 Call 800-992-2219. 07:24 >>Girl: My mom woke up at 11:45, and she smelled smoke. 07:28 >>Man: About maybe 1:30 in the morning, 07:31 the, uh, my wife got a phone call, 07:34 and I could hear the voice on the other end of the line, 07:38 and she was basically screaming, 07:41 “There's a fire. 07:42 It's massive. 07:42 It's headed your way. 07:44 You need to get out and get out now.” 07:46 >>Woman: After I hear fire, 07:47 I hear in the background, 07:49 the fire is two to four blocks away from your house. 07:51 And I panicked. 07:52 We started praying. 07:53 Our prayers didn't last long. 07:55 They were desperate, they were, they were rushed. 08:00 There was a need; it was urgent; 08:01 it was very, very urgent. 08:03 I said, please save my children. 08:05 ♪[Sentimental music]♪ 08:09 >>John: Where was God when the fires burned? 08:10 Where was God as people suffered? 08:12 Where was God while people were dying? 08:15 Where was God in the midst of the devastation? 08:17 ♪[Music and fire crackling]♪ 08:24 >>John: Thanks for joining me today on It Is Written. 08:26 Back in 2010, 33 miners in Chile 08:31 were trapped deep beneath the surface of the earth 08:35 after a collapse in the mine in which they were working. 08:38 They were safe; they had food; 08:42 you know, things weren't so rosy inside that shelter. 08:46 It became more obvious with the passing hours. 08:49 It was extremely hot. 08:52 The food they had available 08:53 would only last them for three days. 08:57 They couldn't agree on everything. 08:59 And the wait caused desperation. 09:02 Have you ever had an experience like that? 09:05 That waiting, that anxiety. 09:09 You might have. 09:10 You might even have experienced something like that in church. 09:15 Sometimes the church, 09:17 where the name of the Lord is praised, 09:19 doesn't feel like the best place in the world. 09:21 Sometimes it can be suffocating. 09:25 Maybe somebody in that church hasn't treated you kindly. 09:27 You haven't been able to resolve your differences. 09:30 Well, maybe this spiritual food doesn't satisfy your tastes. 09:34 Maybe you think it just isn't necessary 09:37 to continue attending church. 09:39 But friend, stop. 09:41 I want to tell you something. 09:43 Unless the problem in your congregation is of a moral 09:46 or scriptural nature that just cannot be resolved, 09:49 don't leave. 09:51 If it's a really serious problem, 09:53 don't leave the church altogether. 09:54 Maybe you can find another congregation to worship. 09:58 The truth is that in these moments, 09:59 this moment in earth's history, 10:01 the church is the safest place that we can be. 10:05 Here's what the Bible says in Hebrews, 10:07 chapter 10 and verse 25: 10:09 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, 10:13 as is the manner of some, 10:16 but exhorting one another, 10:18 and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” 10:24 No, the church isn't perfect. 10:27 Maybe you've seen or experienced some unpleasant situations 10:30 in the church, sometimes hurtful situations. 10:33 But the truth is, your rescue and my rescue comes from above. 10:39 The church is not Paradise. 10:41 We were never promised that it would be. 10:42 [Bells ringing] 10:44 But the church is designed to be a haven, 10:46 a safe place, 10:48 as we get ready for the return of Jesus Christ. 10:51 ♪[Music]♪ 10:59 Now, that wait was incredibly stressful 11:01 for the families of the miners trapped underground. 11:04 Upon hearing the disastrous news that their loved ones were stuck 11:08 and couldn't soon be liberated, 11:11 they hurried desperately to ask authorities for help. 11:14 They wanted to know if their loved ones were alive 11:16 and what the rescue plan was going to be. 11:18 Imagine the despair! 11:21 Adding to their despair was the fact 11:23 that statistics were not on their side. 11:25 It was said that there was only a 2% chance 11:29 that the 33 men could still be alive. 11:32 That same night the rescue began. 11:34 Rescue workers tried to find passages by which 11:37 they could enter the mine, 11:38 but all of the routes that they thought they could use 11:40 were either blocked or they threatened to collapse. 11:44 Two days later there was another collapse in the mine. 11:47 Rescuers knew then that it would be impossible for a human team 11:51 to safely reach the miners. 11:54 What do they do? 11:55 They began to drill down to try to reach the men. 11:59 Ten different drilling probes were used in an attempt 12:03 to establish contact with those isolated miners. 12:06 And finally, it was August the 22nd, 12:09 three weeks after the disaster, a probe that was later named 12:13 "la Milagrosa" (the miraculous one), 12:16 managed to find the emergency shelter. 12:20 Underground, the miners were listening to the drilling 12:23 with great expectation and hope. 12:26 They'd already prepared a message 12:27 that they wanted to share with their families. 12:29 A note they attached to the tip of the drill said, 12:34 "We are fine in the shelter, the 33." 12:38 The first sign of life 12:41 filled the hearts of their loved ones with joy, 12:43 and amazed millions of people around the world 12:47 who were following the news of the trapped Chilean miners. 12:51 It was through a small hole drilled hundreds of meters 12:53 into the earth,well, maybe I should say a small hole, 12:58 that the miners could finally communicate 12:59 with their rescue team 13:00 and receive the supplies that would keep them alive 13:03 as they waited to get out of their underground prison. 13:06 Through that hole they received water, 13:08 food, clothing, medicine, encouragement, and hope. 13:14 They also received cameras to record messages, 13:18 so the people up there could know 13:19 what their living conditions were like down there. 13:22 Okay, now let's pause for a moment. 13:25 Do you know that God has provided you with a means 13:27 of communicating between your place on earth and Heaven, 13:31 where God is? 13:32 Sure He has, and sure, you know. 13:34 That means of communicating with God is prayer. 13:38 Matthew 21, verse 22: 13:40 “And whatever things you ask in prayer, 13:42 believing, you will receive.” 13:46 The Bible also says in Hebrews 4 and verse 16: 13:49 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 13:53 that we may obtain mercy and find grace 13:57 to help in time of need.” 14:00 It's through prayer, 14:02 through that, through that little gap in time 14:05 that we dedicate to speaking with God, 14:08 it's through prayer that God listens to our needs 14:11 and attends to our requests, 14:13 and communicates with us. 14:14 It's through prayer that we receive the necessary blessings 14:18 that strengthen us as we wait for rescue 14:21 from this world of darkness. 14:24 Let me encourage you. 14:26 Don't neglect your daily opportunity to speak to God, 14:31 to listen to God and receive God's blessing. 14:34 You know what's so interesting? 14:36 When God architected the plan of salvation, 14:41 He didn't make things so that you and I 14:44 would have to do something beyond our capability. 14:48 God never asked us to do the impossible. 14:51 And here's what I mean by that: 14:52 God said, "if you want to know Me, read." 14:55 You know, if you can't read, 14:56 you can listen to somebody else read. 14:59 God said, "if you want to be close to Me, 15:01 speak with Me in prayer." 15:03 Anybody can do that. 15:05 And even if you couldn't speak out loud, 15:08 you can think prayers in your mind. 15:12 It's just that simple. 15:13 The Word of God and prayer, 15:16 and in faith and trust in a God who is responsible 15:23 for the greatest rescue mission of all time. 15:26 I'll have more just ahead. 15:28 ♪[Music]♪ 15:38 >>Announcer: In Matthew 4:4, the Word of God says, 15:41 “It is Written, 15:42 ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 15:44 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” 15:48 “Every Word” 15:49 is a one-minute, Bible-based daily devotional 15:51 presented by Pastor John Bradshaw, 15:53 and designed especially for busy people like you. 15:56 Look for Every Word on selected networks, 15:59 or watch it online every day on our website, 16:01 itiswritten.com. 16:04 Receive a daily spiritual boost. 16:06 Watch “Every Word.” 16:07 You'll be glad you did. 16:09 Here's a sample. 16:12 ♪[Music]♪ 16:17 >>John: The Assyrian armies were poised to destroy Judah. 16:20 There was nothing King Hezekiah could do. 16:22 He was outnumbered. 16:24 To call God's people vulnerable 16:25 would be to overstate their strength. 16:27 The king and the people looked to God for help. 16:29 And what did God do? 16:30 Isaiah 37:36 says, 16:32 “Then the angel of the Lord went forth, 16:34 and smote in the camp of the Assyrians 16:36 a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: 16:38 and when they arose early in the morning, 16:40 behold, they were all dead corpses.” 16:42 Things were hopeless for God's people. 16:44 But they looked toward God for deliverance, 16:46 and He delivered them without Judah having to fire a shot. 16:49 And that's what God can do for you. 16:51 When things seem hopeless, they are not, 16:53 because God is involved. 16:54 When it seems like you can't move forward, 16:56 you can, because God is leading the way. 16:59 There is always hope when your hope is in God. 17:04 I'm John Bradshaw for It Is Written. 17:05 Let's live today by every word. 17:07 ♪[Music]♪ 17:13 >>John: Thanks for joining me on It Is Written. 17:15 After getting in contact with their rescuers, 17:17 the miners trapped 2,300 feet below ground in a mine in Chile 17:24 had to prepare mentally and physically for their rescue. 17:28 The wait continued after that initial contact 17:31 for an additional 53 more days. 17:36 One of the doctors who devoted every effort to keeping them 17:39 healthy in order to rescue them was Dr. Jean Romagnoli. 17:43 He sent the miners workout videos; 17:46 he sent them music. 17:47 And through that probe he sent them other special items. 17:50 He was so committed to his rescue 17:52 that he wrote on his helmet, 17:53 “No one will be left behind.” 17:56 Besides the Chilean government, 17:58 others who joined the rescue team included 18:00 workers from NASA and also a dozen private corporations 18:04 from different parts of the world, 18:05 all of them working together for one great rescue. 18:10 What was the end result: 18:11 a capsule called Phoenix designed to bring 18:15 the miners up from where they'd been trapped, 18:18 one by one. 18:21 Have you ever thought about the cost Heaven 18:23 paid for your rescue? 18:26 Jesus, the son of God, 18:28 was encapsulated in human form to come to this earth 18:31 to give His life for you. 18:33 The Bible says it this way in Philippians 2:6-8: 18:37 “Who, being in the form of God, 18:40 did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 18:44 but made Himself of no reputation, 18:46 taking the form of a bondservant, 18:49 and coming in the likeness of men. 18:51 And being found in appearance as a man, 18:54 He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, 18:58 even the death of the cross.” 19:02 In addition to the sacrifice made by Jesus, 19:06 all of Heaven participated in the rescue 19:10 of the human family. 19:11 The angels became involved. 19:13 You read that in Luke, chapter 2, verses 10 through 14. 19:16 Angels work daily on our behalf, 19:17 so that we would be saved and not lost. 19:21 The Holy Spirit that abides in us constantly invites us 19:24 to reflection, and repentance, and consecration. 19:27 You read about that in John, chapter 16. 19:29 The Spirit of God also participated in the inspiration 19:33 of the Bible so that we could have the Bible, 19:37 the Word of God, 19:38 in our midst and in our heart. 19:42 As you see, the whole universe has joined in this rescue plan. 19:47 But you know, those miners did have a role in the rescue. 19:52 No, they couldn't do anything to rescue themselves, 19:54 but they needed to follow the instructions 19:57 that were sent from above. 19:58 For example, they had to lose weight 20:02 in order to fit into the capsule. 20:04 You and I need to do the same. 20:06 No, I don't mean that we need to go on a diet. 20:09 But there are some things that we've just got to let go of. 20:11 We need to let go of the bonds that tie us to this world, 20:14 the things that cause God's Word 20:16 to come second in our lives rather than first. 20:18 It's important that we give to God our destructive habits, 20:21 our negative thoughts, bad thoughts, 20:24 anything that weighs us down and prevents us 20:27 from having a transparent relationship with God. 20:30 Because, just as Dr. Jean Romagnoli and the rescue team 20:33 worked hard to rescue the miners, 20:36 God has done the same for you. 20:38 Much more so. 20:39 And in His heart He has a message for you that says, 20:43 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 20:50 that whoever believes in Him should not perish 20:53 but have everlasting life.” 20:57 For those men the big day finally arrived. 20:59 It was October the 12th, 2010. 21:02 At around 11:00 p.m., 21:03 the miners began to ascend, one by one. 21:06 The rescue lasted all through the next day 21:08 and ended at around 10:00 o'clock that night. 21:12 As each miner left the capsule, 21:14 it seemed as though he was experiencing a new birth. 21:18 Seeing the men emerge from the depths of the earth was like 21:21 witnessing people coming back from death to life. 21:24 Now, I'm excited about this story 21:26 because it has a really happy ending. 21:28 The miners saw the sunlight again; 21:31 they embraced their loved ones 21:32 and could continue their lives with new meaning. 21:35 In San Jose, Chile, 21:37 where the San José mine operated, 21:39 where Camp Hope was established, 21:42 a cross was erected as a monument. 21:46 There was no doubt in the minds of the people 21:48 there that God was present at every stage of this rescue. 21:52 God already had a plan for the men. 21:55 He understood they'd go through a difficult trial, 21:58 but He'd prepared a shelter for them. 22:02 He also made it possible that they could receive blessings 22:04 and assistance and encouragement from above. 22:08 He gave them the physical strength and peace of mind to 22:11 resist what was a tremendously difficult experience, 22:15 great temptations. 22:17 And finally, He gathered a well-prepared 22:20 team for the rescue. 22:22 Friend, the cross that was raised at Camp Hope 22:25 was also raised on Mount Calvary to remind us 22:28 that our salvation is near. 22:30 It tells us we are not alone in our trials and our hardships. 22:33 It tells us God has a refuge for us, 22:37 a refuge where we wait for His rescue from above. 22:43 The cross tells us we can communicate with God 22:45 directly through prayer, 22:46 and as we do, we receive His blessings. 22:50 The cross tells us there's a celestial army 22:53 working for our salvation. 22:56 Jesus said this, John chapter 12, verse 32: 23:00 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, 23:03 will draw all peoples to Myself.” 23:08 If you've not yet done so, 23:10 come to Jesus right now and let Him rescue you. 23:14 Do you feel trapped? 23:17 If so, wait on God. 23:19 God is not going to abandon you. 23:21 God is willing to rescue you. 23:23 Listen to this. 23:25 This is Psalm 40, verses 1 through 3: 23:30 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, 23:35 and heard my cry. 23:36 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, 23:41 out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, 23:47 and established my steps. 23:49 He's put a new song in my mouth- 23:52 Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, 23:57 and will trust in the Lord.” 24:01 The Bible is clear. 24:02 The Lord is coming to your rescue. 24:05 If things are difficult, 24:06 remember that God is not far away. 24:08 God is with you. 24:11 If hope seems lost, remember God is with you. 24:16 Sometimes you can't see a way out, 24:18 but there is a way out, because God is with you always. 24:25 The story had a wonderful ending. 24:27 But as you and I both know, not all stories do. 24:32 Not all stories of accidents in mines 24:35 turn out to be so filled with happy tears, joyful reunions. 24:41 Sometimes, tragedies end in tragedy. 24:45 Where's the hope then? 24:46 Hope is still near, because God is still with you. 24:51 In that great event we look forward to, 24:52 the return of Jesus, when Jesus comes back, 24:55 we won't remember the tragedies of this earth; 24:57 we won't. 24:58 We won't remember the hardships; we wouldn't even want to. 25:00 We won't call to mind our trials and our temptations 25:03 and our frequent failings and our often stumbling. 25:06 We won't. 25:07 God with us then will cause us to think on new things. 25:12 God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. 25:14 God is with you now. 25:17 And even if life is really hard right now, 25:20 God is still with you. 25:22 He'll never leave you, and He'll never forsake you. 25:25 ♪[Music]♪ 25:34 >>John: The greatest event in all of history. 25:37 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 25:39 What does the Bible say that will be like? 25:42 Find out by getting today's free offer, 25:44 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 25:45 To get today's free offer, 25:46 call us, 800-253-3000, 25:49 that's 800-253-3000. 25:52 Or visit us online at iiwoffer.com, 25:56 iiwoffer.com. 25:58 Be sure you get today's free offer, 26:01 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 26:04 >>John: Thank you for remembering that It Is Written 26:06 exists because of the kindness of people just like you. 26:09 To support this international life-changing ministry, 26:13 please call us now at 800-253-3000. 26:17 You can send your tax-deductible gift 26:18 to the address on your screen, 26:20 or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com. 26:24 Thank you for your prayers and for your financial support. 26:27 Our number again is 800-253-3000. 26:31 Or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com. 26:35 >>John: Let's pray together now. 26:36 Father in Heaven, we're encouraged, 26:39 we're encouraged, that when things seem hopeless, 26:41 we can be hopeful. 26:43 We're encouraged, that when things seem desperate, 26:45 we can be positive. 26:46 We're encouraged that when hope seems lost, 26:50 we can know there's a bright future ahead because of Jesus, 26:54 the Rescuer of all of us, 26:57 the One who rescues us from sin, 27:00 rescues us in the midst of temptation. 27:02 We thank You there's a bright day ahead. 27:04 We thank You, You've not forgotten us. 27:05 And we thank You that we can wait on You, 27:08 the One who brings us up out of the pit of despair. 27:11 My friend, if you despair now, or if you need to be rescued, 27:17 if there's a little desperation about your situation, 27:19 if sin is overtaking you, then reach out to God now. 27:23 Call on God now. 27:24 Open your heart to God now, 27:26 and He will take your heart and make it 27:29 His dwelling place forever. 27:31 Lord, would You do that? 27:32 Would You take the hearts yielded to You now, 27:35 the lives surrendered to You now? 27:38 Bless us, please. 27:39 Keep us. 27:40 And we thank You. 27:41 The greatest rescue of all time is soon to take place 27:44 when Jesus comes to this earth. 27:47 It's in Jesus' name we pray, 27:49 Amen. 27:51 Thank you so much for joining me today. 27:52 I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time. 27:55 Until then, remember: 27:56 “It is written: 27:58 ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 28:00 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” 28:05 ♪[Theme music]♪ |
Revised 2018-03-07