John 6:16-21 AMPC
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, [17] And they took a boat and were going across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and still Jesus had not [yet] come back to them. [18] Meanwhile, the sea was getting rough and rising high because of a great and violent wind that was blowing. [19] [However] when they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching the boat. And they were afraid (terrified). [20] But Jesus said to them, It is I; be not afraid! [I AM; stop being frightened!] [21] Then they were quite willing and glad for Him to come into the boat. And now the boat went at once to the land they had steered toward. [And immediately they reached the shore toward which they had been slowly making their way.]
The migrant crisis is right on our doorstep.
Even recently, as I drove to Folkestone, I saw two small dinghies full of people making their way to our shores.
Only a couple of days ago, tragically, 30 or so migrants drowned, when their flimsy craft was hit and destroyed by a passing container ship!
Their vessel wasn't fit for purpose.
Time and time again the lifeboats have to rescue the people before they sink.
Life is a journey we all have to make. Some try to make it under their own steam.
Yet, try as we might, there comes a point when we realise we're not up to it and get hit by some tragedy.
Like the disciples in their boat, we start to flounder.
We need Jesus, our Life Boat, to pick us up and bring us safely ashore.
Can you imagine those helpless migrants refusing to get on the lifeboats, if they had been available? It would have been suicidal.
Yet many refuse Jesus' help in their lives and would rather carry on sinking in their own strength.
Don't be one of those. Be humble enough to realise that you need a Saviour and get on board with Jesus.
Which leads me to my one time favourite hymn, which shows my age:
I was sinking deep in sin
Sinking to rise no more
Very deeply stained within
mercy I did implore
But the master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waves he lifted me
Now safe am I
Chorus
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When no one but Christ could help
Love lifted me
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When no one but Christ could help
Love lifted me
Souls in danger look above
Jesus completely saves
He will lift you by his love
Out of the angry waves
He's the master of the sea
Billows His will obey
He your Saviour wants to be
Be saved today
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