Missing the Boat

As seen in the  "The Heartbeat" and published in the Hot Springs Village Voice

Missing the boat. Not a position you want to be in. For whatever reason, you’re running down the dock as you see the gangway door on the ship close. You’ve known the date and time far in advance, but the world got in the way and you’ve missed what could be a life-changing trip.

The same could be true for airline flights. I have run through airports to make a connecting flight. My initial flight was late because of weather, mechanical issues, or maybe just bad planning on my part.

Many times over the disciples "missed the boat." They were drawn to Jesus by His invitation to make them "fishers of men." He called others with just a simple phrase, "Follow me." In the beginning I’m certain they didn’t understand what Jesus was trying to convey to them. They saw Him heal the sick and infirmed, and even had command over the elements like changing water into wine, walking on water, and calming the seas with just a word. For you and me, I think we would believe just about anything Jesus would tell us…..maybe!

Jesus had asked the disciples who the people said He was. Then He asked, "Who do you say I am?" Peter said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." The Holy Spirit gave this revelation to Peter, but he was still missing the boat.

Peter called Jesus the Messiah, but he and the other disciples believed Jesus was on earth to set up His earthly kingdom, return the nation of Israel to prominence and unite all the tribes again under one king, and free them from the oppressive rule of Rome. If this was the case, they may have thought they were on the new king’s inner circle and therefore had their future looking bright.

When Jesus told them He must die at the hands of the officials, Peter pulled His boss aside and verbally scolded Him. It was only a few days before Peter verbalized the divinity of Jesus yet did not believe the Son of the Living God’s own words. He missed the boat and it hadn’t even sailed yet!

Do we sometimes fail to see the hand of God working in our lives? If we read the Word, we can see how Jesus wants us to live, treat others, and how to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We can also see what must come to pass before Christ comes again as a conquering King. The ill-informed or misinformed can be swayed like a willow in the wind. Be strong! Build you faith and knowledge on the firm foundation of Christ.

When Jesus calls His church to heaven, we will all go as if on one big boat. We don’t want to miss the boat! Stay vigilant, with our eyes and ears fixed on Captain Jesus. It will truly be a life-changing trip indeed!!