I once met a Vietnam veteran I’ll call “George.”

He told me about holding his dying friend in his arms while waiting for the rescue helicopter to take the wounded from the battle they were fighting.

The first helicopter arrived. It was shot down while landing. The second one arrived a couple minutes later. It, too, was shot down while hovering, trying to get the wounded. The third one arrived shortly after that, but for George’s friend, it was too late.

In telling the story, George wasn’t complaining or bemoaning the fact that the rescue choppers had failed to get his friend (and others) out of there in time. Rather, his focus was on the bravery, courage, and determination of the chopper pilots to not give up — to leave no one behind.

Jesus’ death on the cross for OUR sins — yours and mine — was a tremendous sacrifice. It was Jesus’ single most important act of courage in an effort to leave no human behind.

Jesus has paid the ultimate price so we wouldn’t have to. He has overcome it all — every worry, heartache, uncertainty, betrayal, and failure. Whatever cares we have, we can cast on Him. He is our ultimate rescue.