The fishing boat Elinor Viking was returning home when the storm hit. The captain had heard the weather report; he knew a storm was coming. But nobody had predicted that it would be this bad!
He steered the little ship carefully toward more sheltered waters near some islands. His charts showed some dangerous rocky shoals in that area, but with his radar he should be able to stay clear of them.
During the night when the storm was at its worst, the captain found out that his radar was not working correctly. Without any warning there was a ripping, crunching crash as the boat was slammed into the rocks. The hull was ripped open like a can opener opening a can, and the sea poured in!
Have you ever thought that you might be in a situation much the same as this captain and crew? You may say, “No, I’ve never been on a boat and I’ve never been shipwrecked.” Let me explain that we are referring to your everyday life rather than if you’ve ever actually been on a boat. Each person is passing through this world and possibly not realizing that danger is ahead. This danger threatens our living souls, that part of us that will never die but will spend eternity in heaven or hell.
You may have heard “storm warnings” about God’s punishment of sin. It has been forecasted. The Bible tells us “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27). You probably have read about this judgment in these Sunday school papers also. But the question still is, what have you done about it? Like the captain are you thinking that you will weather the storm without anyone’s help—you’ve got your own “radar"? Then I’ve got bad news... it won’t work! Man’s feelings and ideas of how he will explain his sins to God are wrong. The Bible tells us there is no “explaining away” your sins to God. They must be completely wiped out and this only happens by accepting the death of the Lord Jesus on the cross for your sins. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6). The only other choice is bearing the punishment for your sins yourself.
The captain of the sinking ship radioed for help. Other ships in the area heard the distress call and quickly came to see if they could help. They stood by, but because of the intense storm were unable to help. Huge waves were still crashing on the rocks and would have smashed any rescue boats coming close. If help were to come, it must come from above.
The Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven to save any sinner who would believe in Him as Saviour and Lord from the punishment his sins deserved. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). This is the only Saviour for you. Will you accept Him now?
The help for the captain and crew of the Elinor Viking was a Coast Guard helicopter. Four brave men volunteered to go to the rescue of those on board.
Through the driving wind and rain the helicopter crew battled the storm until at last they were hovering just above the badly-listing ship. One by one the fishermen and finally the captain were lifted to safety by the lifeline from the helicopter.
The Lord Jesus loves you and is offering you His lifeline from above. He volunteered to die, suffering the storm of God’s punishment for sin on the cross, and He now offers free salvation to you. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17).
Don’t cling to the wreckage of your life when God’s lifeline is within your reach. Take hold of Jesus’ outstretched hand with those simple words, “Lord, save me.” You will have the peace of knowing all your sins are forgiven and the happiness of knowing for sure that your living soul will be in heaven.
After being rescued the captain of the Elinor Viking summed up his experience by quoting the Bible verse, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:1313Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13). These words, written nearly 2000 years ago, describe the love of the Lord Jesus for you.
We can imagine the thankfulness expressed by those fishermen to the helicopter crew who had risked their lives to save them. What about you? Have you ever thanked the Saviour who loved you and died for you? There is no better time than right now to accept Him as your own Saviour and thank Him for dying for your sins.
ML-07/01/1984