Greek Free Church - Perspective

November 27, 2005

The sea we call “Life…”

But the ship now was in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. (Matt 14:24)

After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent off his disciples in a boat. He would meet them a little later, further along the shore. When they started out, there was daylight. Later it got dark and the waves picked up with opposing winds.

Whenever I see young children playing and carrying on, it reminds me of my childhood. The tree in the back yard was my castle and the neighbour’s cat was the dreaded enemy that had to be “eliminated” at all costs. I would ride my tricycle up and down the street in front of my parents place. It was my domain, my kingdom. One day a dog wandered onto my “turf” and I charged it with my “tank”. A doctor had to treat the bites I received. Ever since then I respect dogs… from a distance.

Ahhh. The good old days. If only we didn’t have to grow up.

We start out with many dreams about what we want to get out of life. We create our own empire. With time we mature but still live in our own world. Everything is so clear. We construct plans to achieve our goals and dreams, setting out with hope. Each of us find ourselves in a boat, floating on the sea we call “life”.

Life goes on but it gets a little darker. The way does not seem so clear anymore and colours start to fade. The goals we set out seem a little distant. Sometimes we question whether we were realistic. Other times we wonder whether we are going the right way. Is anyone following or are we on our own? Images start to blur. Still we plough on, pursuing our goals with more resolve - it may take a little longer.

Then come the waves. They are not predictable and you can’t see them in the dark. You don’t know where they are going to come from next. But they come crashing on your little boat. Illness strikes close to home. Other problems rattle you. Changes at work steal your confidence. Financial problems rear their head. You are let down by someone, your children, family. Natural disasters. Extremists. Predators. Uncertainty. Despair sets in and you can’t sleep at night. The roar of the waves makes you shiver.

Then come the opposing winds. Not only do plans fall apart, things start going backwards. There is nowhere to turn and hide. No place to rest. The waves are crashing, the winds are howling. Their voices taunt and laugh - daring us to try again. If only it were a dream that would go away. When will the morning come?

In the midst of all the turmoil and fear, a still, small, voice is heard, “Be of good cheer, it is I. Do not be afraid.” It is Jesus. “Leave your little boat and come to Me.”

The wind laughs at you, menacing, daring you. Fear and insecurity abound. Clutching your little boat you slowly sink back into the boat, too afraid to make the move. You wish you could run away. Is the offer real? Could it really be true? The winds remind you of the dark and distant past…

Are you tired of life but too afraid to let go? Jesus invites you to come, to leave the confines of your boat and walk on the waters. He invites you to step out in faith to a new life of hope. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are new.” (2 Cor 5:17)

Do you want a new start and a sure foundation to build your life on? God offers you forgiveness and rest from the toil of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un­righteousness.” (John 1:9). “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).

And He can help you take on the future. “When you walk through the waters, I’ll be with you… and through the rivers, they shall not flow over you… Fear not for I am with you “(Isaiah 43)

God’s peace is real, and it becomes a reality whenever men and women turn to Christ and follow Him as Lord. In the midst of the trials and difficulties of life we can know “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). And someday the Christ who came so humbly some 2000 years ago, will come again in glory to establish His kingdom. When He does, our world will finally know the peace of God in its fullest sense.

Let go your boat.