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Viewpoint from Roger Hill for 29th Sept 2012
COMMITTED TO THE CAPTAIN
A young ensign had nearly completed his first tour of duty when he was given an opportunity to dis play his ability at getting the ship under way. With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with men, and soon the ship had left port and was steaming out of the channel. The ensign’s efficiency had been remarkable. He had set a new record for getting a destroyer under way. The ensign glowed with his accomplishment and wasn’t surprised when another seaman approached him with a message from the captain. He was surprised however to find it was a radio message, and even more surprised when he read, “My personal congratulations upon completing your Under way preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed.” In your haste, however, you have overlooked one of the unwritten rules—make sure the captain is on board before getting under way.”
God’s manual for life, the Bible, is our “set of instructions,” for getting our lives under way.” We must never become so bound to the book that we forget the Author, and the relation-ship He desires to have with us on the voyage. The ship needs a captain at the helm or it could end up on the rocks. Do we make sure the Captain is on board as we set out on life’s voyage? The secret of Jesus’ success was his complete reliance and submission to his Father in Heaven. Even at 12 years old when his earthly parents searched for him in the temple, his response was “Know ye not that I must be about my father’s business.” His commitment was total. Oh that I could say the same in my life.!
Human nature is rebellious, wilful and disobedient with a mind of its own. “Ther e is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death Proverbs 14 v 12. Our families, our friends, our work, our hobbies, T.V, sport, all vie for our time and affections. One wit observed, if it weren’t for the fact that the T.V. and the refrigerator were so far apart, we wouldn’t get any exercise at all.
Anything that comes between us, and God, is an idol. He should be first in our heart and affections. When someone close to us doesn’t visit, doesn’t write, doesn’t phone. Do we feel hurt, taken for granted? Consider what Jesus did for us. The grace and favour he has given each one of us, in giving his life to save us. How it must affect Him when he scans our life and sees only indifference and apathy.
Jesus wept as he looked over Jerusalem. I wonder how he feels when he looks at us today? What does he see? Doctrine and tradition will not save us. God’s truth must be part of our nature and character, there has to be a change, a true conversion. What does it mean to be a Christian? To love God with all your heart and to love others as yourself!
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