A BBC 999 programme once featured the story of a boy who disobeyed his parents and went to play by a stream across which ran a large water pipe. Foolishly he tried to walk across the pipe but he fell into the stream and was injured. He was rescued by the fire service but later when a fireman asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up he replied, “A fireman!” The fireman had become his greatest hero so he wanted to be like him.

The greatest rescue operation in history was when Jesus Christ came down from heaven to rescue our souls from the injuries caused by the guilt and grip of our sins. Out of love for us He paid the penalty our sins deserved by dying on the cross. When we realise this, our greatest ambition will be to turn from all that grieves Him and follow in the steps of our Saviour and hero. The Bible will then become our instruction manual and its wisdom will overcome our foolishness and guide us safely through the ups and downs of life.

In Britain 999 always reminds us of our good emergency services. However in complete contrast by a strange coincidence the number 666 in the Bible represents everything that is evil. In the book of Revelation 666 is the mark of the beast. This symbolic creature looks like an innocent lamb but speaks like Satan. He represents the final world dictator who will make everyone his slaves by commanding that only those can buy or sell who have his mark upon them. Today there is talk about us all having an innocent looking ID card designed to fight crime. But this could become a Frankenstein in the hands of a dictator. [ Revelation 13:11-18 ].