Participants:
Series Code: IIW
Program Code: IIW018160S
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00:09 ♪[Theme music]♪
00:19 >>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 00:32 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. 00:45 [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. 01:19 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 01:32 in northern Chile. 01:34 It was there that 33 men and their fellow workers 01:37 risked their lives daily to support their families, 01:40 mining copper and gold from the ground. 01:43 The events that unfolded there in the Atacama Desert 01:46 were watched by more than a billion people around the world. 01:49 It was one of the greatest rescues 01:51 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, 02:07 life took an unexpected turn for those 33 miners 02:11 and their families. 02:12 Now, can you imagine being trapped underground in a damp, 02:17 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, 02:38 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. 03:15 We've sent the Space Shuttle up and brought it back. 03:18 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 03:30 that everything is not going well here. 03:33 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, 03:50 pestilences and famines in all kinds of places. 03:54 Maybe you or a loved one is experiencing hardships 03:58 of this kind, or a related kind. 04:01 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. 04:13 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. 04:27 At some point you and I will also ask ourselves: 04:30 Will someone come to my rescue? 04:32 Will there be a solution to my problem? 04:35 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 04:50 from the plans of the evil one. 04:52 And it's there that we can wait and prepare while we look 04:57 forward to the supreme rescue of Jesus Christ. 05:03 In the initial hours in which the miners were trapped 05:06 underground, they looked for ways out. 05:08 Now, to begin with, 05:10 they tried to escape through ventilation shafts, 05:13 but they soon discovered, to their dismay, 05:16 that the ladders required by law, 05:19 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, 05:30 and with another collapse, there would surely be death. 05:34 There was no other option but to wait in the shelter, 05:38 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. 05:53 From that refuge, finally, the miners came to a conclusion: 05:58 By their own physical strength they could not get out of there; 06:05 rescue would have to come from above. 06:10 I'll be back with more from this story 06:11 and from the Bible in just a moment. 06:14 ♪[Music]♪ 06:23 >>John: The greatest event in all of history. 06:25 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 06:27 What does the Bible say that will be like? 06:30 Find out by getting today's free offer, 06:32 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 06:34 To get today's free offer, 06:35 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. 06:47 Be sure you get today's free offer, 06:50 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 06:53 ♪[Music]♪ 06:55 >>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. 07:06 For information on how we can help you, 07:08 please call 800-992-2219. 07:13 Call today, or visit our website, 07:15 hislegacy.com. 07:18 Call 800-992-2219. 07:23 >>Girl: My mom woke up at 11:45, and she smelled smoke. 07:28 >>Man: About maybe 1:30 in the morning, 07:30 the, uh, my wife got a phone call, 07:34 and I could hear the voice on the other end of the line, 07:37 and she was basically screaming, 07:40 “There's a fire. 07:41 It's massive. 07:42 It's headed your way. 07:43 You need to get out and get out now.” 07:45 >>Woman: After I hear fire, 07:46 I hear in the background, 07:48 the fire is two to four blocks away from your house. 07:50 And I panicked. 07:52 We started praying. 07:53 Our prayers didn't last long. 07:54 They were desperate, they were, they were rushed. 07:59 There was a need; it was urgent; 08:01 it was very, very urgent. 08:02 I said, please save my children. 08:05 ♪[Sentimental music]♪ 08:08 >>John: Where was God when the fires burned? 08:10 Where was God as people suffered? 08:11 Where was God while people were dying? 08:14 Where was God in the midst of the devastation? 08:16 ♪[Music and fire crackling]♪ 08:23 >>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 08:34 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. 08:45 It became more obvious with the passing hours. 08:48 It was extremely hot. 08:51 The food they had available 08:52 would only last them for three days. 08:56 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. 09:08 You might have. 09:09 You might even have experienced something like that in church. 09:15 Sometimes the church, 09:16 where the name of the Lord is praised, 09:18 doesn't feel like the best place in the world. 09:21 Sometimes it can be suffocating. 09:24 Maybe somebody in that church hasn't treated you kindly. 09:26 You haven't been able to resolve your differences. 09:29 Well, maybe this spiritual food doesn't satisfy your tastes. 09:34 Maybe you think it just isn't necessary 09:36 to continue attending church. 09:38 But friend, stop. 09:40 I want to tell you something. 09:42 Unless the problem in your congregation is of a moral 09:45 or scriptural nature that just cannot be resolved, 09:48 don't leave. 09:50 If it's a really serious problem, 09:52 don't leave the church altogether. 09:54 Maybe you can find another congregation to worship. 09:57 The truth is that in these moments, 09:58 this moment in earth's history, 10:00 the church is the safest place that we can be. 10:04 Here's what the Bible says in Hebrews, 10:06 chapter 10 and verse 25: 10:09 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, 10:12 as is the manner of some, 10:15 but exhorting one another, 10:17 and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” 10:23 No, the church isn't perfect. 10:26 Maybe you've seen or experienced some unpleasant situations 10:29 in the church, sometimes hurtful situations. 10:33 But the truth is, your rescue and my rescue comes from above. 10:38 The church is not Paradise. 10:40 We were never promised that it would be. 10:42 [Bells ringing] 10:43 But the church is designed to be a haven, 10:45 a safe place, 10:47 as we get ready for the return of Jesus Christ. 10:50 ♪[Music]♪ 10:58 Now, that wait was incredibly stressful 11:00 for the families of the miners trapped underground. 11:03 Upon hearing the disastrous news that their loved ones were stuck 11:07 and couldn't soon be liberated, 11:10 they hurried desperately to ask authorities for help. 11:13 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! 11:20 Adding to their despair was the fact 11:22 that statistics were not on their side. 11:24 It was said that there was only a 2% chance 11:28 that the 33 men could still be alive. 11:31 That same night the rescue began. 11:34 Rescue workers tried to find passages by which 11:36 they could enter the mine, 11:37 but all of the routes that they thought they could use 11:40 were either blocked or they threatened to collapse. 11:43 Two days later there was another collapse in the mine. 11:46 Rescuers knew then that it would be impossible for a human team 11:50 to safely reach the miners. 11:53 What do they do? 11:54 They began to drill down to try to reach the men. 11:58 Ten different drilling probes were used in an attempt 12:02 to establish contact with those isolated miners. 12:05 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. 12:19 Underground, the miners were listening to the drilling 12:22 with great expectation and hope. 12:25 They'd already prepared a message 12:26 that they wanted to share with their families. 12:28 A note they attached to the tip of the drill said, 12:33 "We are fine in the shelter, the 33." 12:37 The first sign of life 12:40 filled the hearts of their loved ones with joy, 12:42 and amazed millions of people around the world 12:46 who were following the news of the trapped Chilean miners. 12:50 It was through a small hole drilled hundreds of meters 12:52 into the earth,well, maybe I should say a small hole, 12:57 that the miners could finally communicate 12:58 with their rescue team 12:59 and receive the supplies that would keep them alive 13:02 as they waited to get out of their underground prison. 13:05 Through that hole they received water, 13:07 food, clothing, medicine, encouragement, and hope. 13:13 They also received cameras to record messages, 13:17 so the people up there could know 13:18 what their living conditions were like down there. 13:21 Okay, now let's pause for a moment. 13:24 Do you know that God has provided you with a means 13:26 of communicating between your place on earth and Heaven, 13:30 where God is? 13:31 Sure He has, and sure, you know. 13:33 That means of communicating with God is prayer. 13:37 Matthew 21, verse 22: 13:39 “And whatever things you ask in prayer, 13:41 believing, you will receive.” 13:45 The Bible also says in Hebrews 4 and verse 16: 13:48 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 13:52 that we may obtain mercy and find grace 13:56 to help in time of need.” 13:59 It's through prayer, 14:01 through that, through that little gap in time 14:04 that we dedicate to speaking with God, 14:07 it's through prayer that God listens to our needs 14:10 and attends to our requests, 14:12 and communicates with us. 14:13 It's through prayer that we receive the necessary blessings 14:17 that strengthen us as we wait for rescue 14:20 from this world of darkness. 14:23 Let me encourage you. 14:25 Don't neglect your daily opportunity to speak to God, 14:30 to listen to God and receive God's blessing. 14:33 You know what's so interesting? 14:35 When God architected the plan of salvation, 14:40 He didn't make things so that you and I 14:43 would have to do something beyond our capability. 14:47 God never asked us to do the impossible. 14:50 And here's what I mean by that: 14:51 God said, "if you want to know Me, read." 14:54 You know, if you can't read, 14:55 you can listen to somebody else read. 14:58 God said, "if you want to be close to Me, 15:00 speak with Me in prayer." 15:02 Anybody can do that. 15:04 And even if you couldn't speak out loud, 15:07 you can think prayers in your mind. 15:11 It's just that simple. 15:12 The Word of God and prayer, 15:15 and in faith and trust in a God who is responsible 15:21 for the greatest rescue mission of all time. 15:25 I'll have more just ahead. 15:27 ♪[Music]♪ 15:37 >>Announcer: In Matthew 4:4, the Word of God says, 15:40 “It is Written, 15:41 ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 15:43 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” 15:47 “Every Word” 15:48 is a one-minute, Bible-based daily devotional 15:50 presented by Pastor John Bradshaw, 15:52 and designed especially for busy people like you. 15:55 Look for Every Word on selected networks, 15:58 or watch it online every day on our website, 16:00 itiswritten.com. 16:03 Receive a daily spiritual boost. 16:05 Watch “Every Word.” 16:06 You'll be glad you did. 16:08 Here's a sample. 16:11 ♪[Music]♪ 16:16 >>John: The Assyrian armies were poised to destroy Judah. 16:19 There was nothing King Hezekiah could do. 16:21 He was outnumbered. 16:22 To call God's people vulnerable 16:24 would be to overstate their strength. 16:26 The king and the people looked to God for help. 16:27 And what did God do? 16:29 Isaiah 37:36 says, 16:31 “Then the angel of the Lord went forth, 16:33 and smote in the camp of the Assyrians 16:35 a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: 16:37 and when they arose early in the morning, 16:38 behold, they were all dead corpses.” 16:41 Things were hopeless for God's people. 16:43 But they looked toward God for deliverance, 16:45 and He delivered them without Judah having to fire a shot. 16:48 And that's what God can do for you. 16:50 When things seem hopeless, they are not, 16:52 because God is involved. 16:53 When it seems like you can't move forward, 16:55 you can, because God is leading the way. 16:58 There is always hope when your hope is in God. 17:03 I'm John Bradshaw for It Is Written. 17:04 Let's live today by every word. 17:06 ♪[Music]♪ 17:11 >>John: Thanks for joining me on It Is Written. 17:14 After getting in contact with their rescuers, 17:16 the miners trapped 2,300 feet below ground in a mine in Chile 17:23 had to prepare mentally and physically for their rescue. 17:27 The wait continued after that initial contact 17:30 for an additional 53 more days. 17:35 One of the doctors who devoted every effort to keeping them 17:38 healthy in order to rescue them was Dr. Jean Romagnoli. 17:42 He sent the miners workout videos; 17:44 he sent them music. 17:46 And through that probe he sent them other special items. 17:49 He was so committed to his rescue 17:50 that he wrote on his helmet, 17:52 “No one will be left behind.” 17:55 Besides the Chilean government, 17:56 others who joined the rescue team included 17:58 workers from NASA and also a dozen private corporations 18:02 from different parts of the world, 18:04 all of them working together for one great rescue. 18:09 What was the end result: 18:10 a capsule called Phoenix designed to bring 18:14 the miners up from where they'd been trapped, 18:17 one by one. 18:20 Have you ever thought about the cost Heaven 18:22 paid for your rescue? 18:24 Jesus, the son of God, 18:27 was encapsulated in human form to come to this earth 18:29 to give His life for you. 18:31 The Bible says it this way in Philippians 2:6-8: 18:36 “Who, being in the form of God, 18:39 did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 18:43 but made Himself of no reputation, 18:45 taking the form of a bondservant, 18:48 and coming in the likeness of men. 18:50 And being found in appearance as a man, 18:52 He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, 18:57 even the death of the cross.” 19:01 In addition to the sacrifice made by Jesus, 19:04 all of Heaven participated in the rescue 19:08 of the human family. 19:10 The angels became involved. 19:11 You read that in Luke, chapter 2, verses 10 through 14. 19:14 Angels work daily on our behalf, 19:16 so that we would be saved and not lost. 19:20 The Holy Spirit that abides in us constantly invites us 19:23 to reflection, and repentance, and consecration. 19:26 You read about that in John, chapter 16. 19:28 The Spirit of God also participated in the inspiration 19:31 of the Bible so that we could have the Bible, 19:35 the Word of God, 19:37 in our midst and in our heart. 19:40 As you see, the whole universe has joined in this rescue plan. 19:46 But you know, those miners did have a role in the rescue. 19:50 No, they couldn't do anything to rescue themselves, 19:53 but they needed to follow the instructions 19:55 that were sent from above. 19:57 For example, they had to lose weight 20:01 in order to fit into the capsule. 20:03 You and I need to do the same. 20:05 No, I don't mean that we need to go on a diet. 20:08 But there are some things that we've just got to let go of. 20:10 We need to let go of the bonds that tie us to this world, 20:13 the things that cause God's Word 20:14 to come second in our lives rather than first. 20:17 It's important that we give to God our destructive habits, 20:20 our negative thoughts, bad thoughts, 20:23 anything that weighs us down and prevents us 20:25 from having a transparent relationship with God. 20:29 Because, just as Dr. Jean Romagnoli and the rescue team 20:32 worked hard to rescue the miners, 20:35 God has done the same for you. 20:36 Much more so. 20:38 And in His heart He has a message for you that says, 20:42 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 20:49 that whoever believes in Him should not perish 20:51 but have everlasting life.” 20:56 For those men the big day finally arrived. 20:58 It was October the 12th, 2010. 21:01 At around 11:00 p.m., 21:02 the miners began to ascend, one by one. 21:05 The rescue lasted all through the next day 21:07 and ended at around 10:00 o'clock that night. 21:11 As each miner left the capsule, 21:13 it seemed as though he was experiencing a new birth. 21:16 Seeing the men emerge from the depths of the earth was like 21:19 witnessing people coming back from death to life. 21:23 Now, I'm excited about this story 21:24 because it has a really happy ending. 21:27 The miners saw the sunlight again; 21:29 they embraced their loved ones 21:31 and could continue their lives with new meaning. 21:33 In San Jose, Chile, 21:36 where the San José mine operated, 21:38 where Camp Hope was established, 21:41 a cross was erected as a monument. 21:44 There was no doubt in the minds of the people 21:46 there that God was present at every stage of this rescue. 21:51 God already had a plan for the men. 21:53 He understood they'd go through a difficult trial, 21:57 but He'd prepared a shelter for them. 22:00 He also made it possible that they could receive blessings 22:03 and assistance and encouragement from above. 22:07 He gave them the physical strength and peace of mind to 22:09 resist what was a tremendously difficult experience, 22:14 great temptations. 22:15 And finally, He gathered a well-prepared 22:19 team for the rescue. 22:21 Friend, the cross that was raised at Camp Hope 22:24 was also raised on Mount Calvary to remind us 22:26 that our salvation is near. 22:29 It tells us we are not alone in our trials and our hardships. 22:32 It tells us God has a refuge for us, 22:35 a refuge where we wait for His rescue from above. 22:42 The cross tells us we can communicate with God 22:44 directly through prayer, 22:45 and as we do, we receive His blessings. 22:48 The cross tells us there's a celestial army 22:52 working for our salvation. 22:54 Jesus said this, John chapter 12, verse 32: 22:59 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, 23:02 will draw all peoples to Myself.” 23:07 If you've not yet done so, 23:09 come to Jesus right now and let Him rescue you. 23:12 Do you feel trapped? 23:15 If so, wait on God. 23:17 God is not going to abandon you. 23:20 God is willing to rescue you. 23:22 Listen to this. 23:23 This is Psalm 40, verses 1 through 3: 23:28 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, 23:33 and heard my cry. 23:35 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, 23:40 out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, 23:46 and established my steps. 23:47 He's put a new song in my mouth- 23:50 Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, 23:56 and will trust in the Lord.” 23:59 The Bible is clear. 24:01 The Lord is coming to your rescue. 24:03 If things are difficult, 24:05 remember that God is not far away. 24:07 God is with you. 24:09 If hope seems lost, remember God is with you. 24:14 Sometimes you can't see a way out, 24:17 but there is a way out, because God is with you always. 24:23 The story had a wonderful ending. 24:25 But as you and I both know, not all stories do. 24:30 Not all stories of accidents in mines 24:33 turn out to be so filled with happy tears, joyful reunions. 24:39 Sometimes, tragedies end in tragedy. 24:43 Where's the hope then? 24:44 Hope is still near, because God is still with you. 24:49 In that great event we look forward to, 24:50 the return of Jesus, when Jesus comes back, 24:53 we won't remember the tragedies of this earth; 24:55 we won't. 24:56 We won't remember the hardships; we wouldn't even want to. 24:58 We won't call to mind our trials and our temptations 25:01 and our frequent failings and our often stumbling. 25:04 We won't. 25:06 God with us then will cause us to think on new things. 25:11 God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. 25:13 God is with you now. 25:15 And even if life is really hard right now, 25:18 God is still with you. 25:20 He'll never leave you, and He'll never forsake you. 25:24 ♪[Music]♪ 25:32 >>John: The greatest event in all of history. 25:35 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 25:37 What does the Bible say that will be like? 25:40 Find out by getting today's free offer, 25:42 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 25:44 To get today's free offer, 25:45 call us, 800-253-3000, 25:47 that's 800-253-3000. 25:50 Or visit us online at iiwoffer.com, 25:54 iiwoffer.com. 25:57 Be sure you get today's free offer, 25:59 “The Second Coming of Jesus.” 26:02 >>John: Thank you for remembering that It Is Written 26:04 exists because of the kindness of people just like you. 26:08 To support this international life-changing ministry, 26:11 please call us now at 800-253-3000. 26:15 You can send your tax-deductible gift 26:17 to the address on your screen, 26:18 or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com. 26:22 Thank you for your prayers and for your financial support. 26:25 Our number again is 800-253-3000. 26:29 Or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com. 26:33 >>John: Let's pray together now. 26:34 Father in Heaven, we're encouraged, 26:37 we're encouraged, that when things seem hopeless, 26:40 we can be hopeful. 26:41 We're encouraged, that when things seem desperate, 26:43 we can be positive. 26:44 We're encouraged that when hope seems lost, 26:48 we can know there's a bright future ahead because of Jesus, 26:52 the Rescuer of all of us, 26:55 the One who rescues us from sin, 26:58 rescues us in the midst of temptation. 27:00 We thank You there's a bright day ahead. 27:02 We thank You, You've not forgotten us. 27:04 And we thank You that we can wait on You, 27:06 the One who brings us up out of the pit of despair. 27:09 My friend, if you despair now, or if you need to be rescued, 27:15 if there's a little desperation about your situation, 27:17 if sin is overtaking you, then reach out to God now. 27:21 Call on God now. 27:22 Open your heart to God now, 27:24 and He will take your heart and make it 27:27 His dwelling place forever. 27:29 Lord, would You do that? 27:30 Would You take the hearts yielded to You now, 27:34 the lives surrendered to You now? 27:36 Bless us, please. 27:37 Keep us. 27:38 And we thank You. 27:39 The greatest rescue of all time is soon to take place 27:42 when Jesus comes to this earth. 27:45 It's in Jesus' name we pray, 27:47 Amen. 27:49 Thank you so much for joining me today. 27:50 I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time. 27:53 Until then, remember: 27:55 “It is written: 27:56 ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 27:58 but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” 28:03 ♪[Theme music]♪ |
Revised 2020-06-09