Leo Tolstoy, the famous Russian author, says, “Love is the only way to rescue humanity from all ills.” There are many stories of rescue missions. In the scriptures, one of the greatest rescue missions is the liberation of the people of Israel from Pharaoh and Egyptian oppressors, which is followed by the liberation of the human person from sin by Jesus. In Nigeria, stories of abduction and rescue abound in daily news headlines. From hospitals, we hear of teams of doctors’ rescue efforts to save patients. In addition, whenever any individual is in danger or has difficulties, we often see how concerned families and communities organise rescue efforts. Jesus points to the dignity and importance of an individual when he speaks of a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to go in search of one that has gone astray. Jesus, the good shepherd, rescues us from the power and bondage of sin and the flesh; He rescues us from the spiritual forces that wish us harm; He rescues us from oppression and shame. He is the rescue master who is called redeemer, Saviour, and deliverer. Jesus tells us there is joy in heaven whenever a sinner is rescued from the dark life of sin. Do we pray and ask the Saviour to rescue us from the bondage of sin? Do we participate in the rescue mission of Jesus by giving a helping hand to rescue those who are in spiritual bondage? Luke 15:1-10; Thursday, 31st Week.