THERE are many interesting sights to I be seen by those who live at Southampton or close to the River Thames, or near some other big docks. Let us suppose, for a moment, that we are standing by the side of the river near Gravesend, watching a big ship coming home. A little way upstream is the Pilot Station, and just outside this, a large motor-boat is waiting ready. As we watch, a flag is seen to be hoisted up on the ship, and immediately a man, dressed in dark blue, comes out of the Pilot Station and gets into the motorboat. He is a Thames Pilot. In a few minutes, the motor-boat is alongside the ship and the pilot climbs up a rope ladder to the deck. As soon as he gets on board, he takes complete charge until the boat is safely in the docks several miles up the river.
The pilot is required so that the ship may be guided in the safe channel. Not even the captain knows where the hidden mud banks and other hidden dangers lie, and so the knowledge and skill of the pilot are necessary to keep the ship in the only safe course.
Have you ever thought that your journey through life is like a voyage, and that YOU need a pilot? Just as the lookout man in the Pilot Station is watching for the signal that a pilot is required, so God is waiting NOW to see whether you will lift up your heart to Him and ask Him to save you; whether you will allow the Lord Jesus to become your Pilot. He is ready to do this as soon as ever you are prepared to admit your need of Him.
No doubt if you saw the River Thames on a sunny day, you would not think any pilot was needed. But danger is there, and it is all the greater because it cannot be seen. -There are hidden dangers, too, in our paths. Indeed, God Himself has said, "There is a way that SEEMETH RIGHT unto a man, but the END thereof are the WAYS OF DEATH." Satan deceives even children by offering to them all kinds of sinful pleasures. They look attractive, but they only bring sadness and disappointment in the end. Real joy and true happiness can only be found in trusting the Lord Jesus as Savior, in confessing His precious Name, and in having Him as Friend and Pilot through life.
The Thames Pilot does his work because he must earn a living; but the Lord Jesus desires to become your Pilot because He loves you. He loves you so much that once He came to die for you. Though He is ever God, yet He came and lived as a Man amongst men in order that He might draw near to them and be their Savior. He was crucified by wicked men upon the cross at Calvary, but there He bore the punishment which we deserve because of our sins. He died, and was buried, but He rose from the dead. Now He is living in heaven as Savior and as Pilot for all those who put their trust in Him. Will you not be one of these happy people?
W. F. B.