Beyond Help

That’s a screen capture from an NBC video. The mid-air accident in 2013 was well covered. Two aircraft, no longer airworthy and aflame. Skydivers escaping from them, each left on their own. The news called it a mid-air miracle. As reported in The Aviationist:

Several skydivers had cameras strapped to their helmet and filmed what could be a disaster. However, shocking footage aside, the collision did not cost the life to anyone: miraculously, all the skydivers jumped to safety, one of the pilots used the emergency chute, whereas the other pilot managed to land its Cessna A185 back at the airfield in spite of the damages on both fuselage and wing.

All involved were experienced, which helped considerably, but not all experienced people involved in accidents – especially one such as this – survive. Looking back on this one, I thought of others who were faced with horror, lacking experience, yet survived to change the world.

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; (Matthew 27:35-36 KJV)

Even Peter, who had taken up a sword in defense when He was arrested, had abandoned Him. Some were brave enough to stand at the foot of the cross:

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (John 19:25-26 KJV)

The thief wanted Him to be a savior, too:

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (Luke 23:39 KJV)

He did not save Himself, but did one of them:

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:41-43 KJV)

What changed this scenario from a group of people who were abandoned by a false prophet into a group that with a few weeks stunned Jerusalem? One simple act.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:6 KJV)

“He is risen, as he said.” Jesus did what He said He would do. They not only had the fulfillment of prophecy, they had fulfillment of His personal promise. He appeared to them, too. For some, that was not enough:

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17 KJV)

The ones that didn’t doubt went on speaking of Him, sharing with others, until their reputation preceded them:

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; (Acts 17:6 KJV)

Which is less than believable – that two planes with skydivers – and their pilots – can survive a mid-air collision, or that God does so love the world?