Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, the magazine of the Naval Institute, Frank Koch illustrates the importance of obeying maritime laws. Two battleships had been on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.
Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.” “Is it steady or moving astern?” the captain called out. The lookout replied, “Steady, Captain,” which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The captain then called to the signalman, “Signal that ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course twenty degrees.” Back came the signal, “Advisable for you to change course twenty degrees.” The captain said, “Send: “I’m a captain, change course twenty degrees.” “I’m a seaman second-class,” came the reply. “You had better change course twenty degrees.” By that time the captain was furious. He spat out, “Send: I’m a battleship. Change course twenty degrees.”
Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.”
Jesus Christ is the lighthouse. There are a lot of captains and battleships that would tell him this, that, and whatever. But, all of these captains and battleships that do not submit to Christ are essentially from man. Jesus is the one from heaven who died and rose victoriously for us. Who’s the boss? The answer: He who is considered nothing but a seaman second-class. The lighthouse! He cannot be moved, and he will vindicate all those who believe in Him, because He is in charge.
As Paul writes, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
In Christ,
Pastor