“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17

On December 26, 2003, a deadly earthquake leveled the city of Bam in Iran. In its wake, more than 26,000 victims were killed in an area where some 140,000 people lived. The quake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and destroyed 70% of the city’s buildings. Tens of thousands were left injured or homeless. The long-term cost of reconstruction is estimated to be $1billion. It was the world’s most deadly earthquake in more than 10 years.

But amongst all of the suffering, there was one fleeting moment of joy. More than 37 hours after the earthquake struck, a six-month-old little girl was plucked alive from the rubble. Her mother shielded little Nassim from the falling debris and saved her life.

Hessamoddin Farrokhyar, Red Crescent public relations deputy director in Tehran, said: “She is alive because of her mother’s embrace. The baby girl is in good condition considering the circumstances.”

Her dead mother’s embrace kept her warm as temperatures outside dropped to dangerously low. Her mother also took the crushing blow of the fallen wall while protecting her daughter’s life. An added miracle was the child survived without food or water during that time.

In a passionate display of love, Jesus Christ took the blow of sin so that through His death, we may live. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord for desiring to save the world by offering up His own life.

“His purpose in sending Jesus into the world was to show his love and to draw men to himself.” – Merrill C. Tenney

God’s Word: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2004, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN pkennedy@devotional.com