Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1907-07-19
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CHRIST GAINS VOYAGE OF LIFE.
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By Rev. c. @. Wright

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And they that were in the boat wor-
SHIPPED Hm.-Matt. xiv. 33.
1t was on board yacht at sea that
Jesus was first worshiped as divine
being, and the worshipers ON this occa-
sion were seafaring men.
He was fond of the sea and of boats
and of the men who "go, down to the
sea in ships" In fact, it appears pos
sible that His trade was that of boat
carpenter instead of house carpenter,
and doubtless He had a thorough
knowledge of sailing craft, sailing and
sailor men and we know that He
preached and taught from the decks
afloat.
Now Jesus is still going to sea-cruis-
ing and voyaging with us who go seek
Fling pleasure, or duty, or business in
great waters" But we like these dis
cples of old, are prone to leave Him
behind when we sail.
Jonah was not the first nor the last
man who went out to sea to escape the
presence of the Lord and to get away
from duty and opportunity. 1t is
very common mistake, and most of us
have made it at some time in our lives
and may be about to fall into the same
error again this season.
In this story of the sea and sea-
going men the first important fact we
come upon is that of their recognition
of Jesus in this new situation-new
only to them. To these discipes 1t was
a discovery. Though gold Is gold and
its precious threads extend throughout
the surface of the earth, yet each new
outcropping when found is called a dis
covery by the prospector SO truth has
to be recognized over and over again
In different situations, and new out
/ groupings and the infinite character
and face of God must be discovered
over and over again in every age, in
every life and in all the changing
scenes and situations of history.
The sea has aspects all its own, and
life afloat Is unique and set with pc
culiar features and surrounded with an
atmosphere of romance and unreality
which tends to mislead us and to dis
tort our views of things, Of people and
selves. But in fact, in all essential fea-
lures and phases ife and things and
people are Identical with those ashore
and so Is our dear Lord the same in
all places and situations, 80 that He fits
the sea and ships as perfectly and help
fully and blessedly as He does the home
) and church ashore and is Master of the
great deep" as of all situations.
What picture of our life voyage is
) this scene on the Sea of Galilee Sep
aration from our Lord; darkness, con
trary winds and whelming seas OF
heart storms and brain tempests and
OF crowding affairs the spirit of ad
ing close to the wind and rushing into
temptation and danger; doubling "ifs'
/, thrust before our finest opportunities
and superstitlous alarms and ground
ltSS leTTOIS Ut HtW Manifestations ant
! the Divine presence.
1t was not till their terror was al
layed that they came about and suffer
: ed Him to approach their craft. Ii
Johns account we learn that 1t wal
= not till after He had made himself
known and said to them, 1T is l, b'
> not afraid" that they were willing Il
: receive Him into the boat
: This was the second important fac
y accomplished when they received Hin
abroad, but the greatest thing tina
:. happened there that night was this
|. They that were in the boat worshipet
U Him, saying: "Of a truth thou art tn
q Son Of God" Haste to get Him Of
q board. o seafarer, and serve and wor
!, ship Him on deck as cordially and 10y
o ally as at home or church ashore. H
r brings happiness with Him. Hear Hi
X call, "Be Of good cheer, 1t Is l."