Our lives, like a mountain, are waiting to be climbed; But… trained mountain climbers, we are not. How we make it to the top is a question we must all face; The answer ultimately, the same… The peak we desire to reach can only be achieved with the saving hand of another.

You find yourself in a survival type situation where it is necessary to ascend up a steep mountain in order to reach an extraction point. An adventure gone wrong in more ways than one has left you in this compromising position. On your back you carry one of your brothers who is unconscious; your other brother’s location is unknown at this point.

As you scale the mountain, the temperature and oxygen levels are taking a serious toll on your body; it’s literally beginning to shut down. In order to keep your mind engaged, you’ve adopted a method of spotting a marker 10-20 feet in front of you and just focusing on getting there; at which point you look for the next focus point. Essentially, breaking the gruelling climb into bite size pieces; a special forces tactic you once learned from the brother you now carry on your shoulder.

As you near the summit, you hear a distant noise that sounds like a call for help. You scan across the mountainside and spot your missing brother who is in a desperate situation. Located about a mile away, you weigh the risks in your mind, knowing your decision not only affects you, but the one you are carrying.

There will be many moments during our climb where we are the one who is called upon; our brother’s only hope. And then, we will also experience countless times where we are the one reaching out.

All men need a brother… All men need a Rescuer

After much deliberation, you finally decide to make the dangerous attempt to rescue your brother; telling yourself his life is worth it. While the outcome could go many different ways, including potential loss of your own life, you realize you could never live with yourself knowing you didn’t at least try. You reach the ridge he hangs on and see him trembling in fear; your outstretched hands connect and he is pulled to safety.

At the peak of the mountain awaits your rescue team… of One. One who has already made the ascent; and made it under much more treacherous conditions. He too carried a heavy weight to the top, ultimately overcoming and becoming your only hope of rescue. Not only did He persevere, but you can know with confidence He will hear your call for help and without hesitation will go the extra mile because your life is worth it to Him.

As you are lifted from the dangerous cliff, you look back down in a state of shock; tears of relief and joy streaming down your face. You lift your eyes to your Rescuer, thanking Him, clinging to Him and telling Him you will do anything to repay Him for saving you. His ask of you in return? To seek out those lost or in need no matter the risk and do whatever necessary to save them.

Men, this is our mission and our response must be… 
I will go the extra mile for my brother because Christ went the extra mile for me

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us.

So, we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers.”

1 John 3:16