Nautical Themes from the Bible

(inspired by the latest Poseidon movie)

I have yet to see the latest Poseidon movie (and probably won't see it...have very little interest and it's getting terrible reviews), but I thought I would take advantage of the recent interest to shift the topic over to my #1 interest which is...(yes, you guessed it) the Word of God.

The Bible often speaks to us in metaphors and imagery that we can understand. Jesus taught in parables and He often used everyday, ordinary objects to convey deeper spiritual truths.

Sometimes the Bible makes mention of a "shipwrecked" faith (we will look at this later, God willing). Today, we are going to look at one verse of scripture from the book of Hebrews. It is found in the second chapter:

Hebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. (NASB)

I don't often dive into the Greek language (forgive the water motif please) in my blog here, but I think it might be helpful in this instance. The Greek word (translated "slip" in the KJV and "drift away" in the NASB) is "Pararrhueo" (pronounced "par-ar-hroo-eh'-o"...try saying that three times as fast as you can). According to the Strong's concordance, it is defined in these terms:

1. to glide by: lest we be carried by, pass by
a. lest the salvation which these things heard show us how to obtain, slip away from us
b. a thing escapes me
c. slips my mind

The word used here appears nowhere else in the New Testament. Some commentators argue that the meaning should be "to run out as leaking vessels."

Later on in Hebrews we read about the hope of Jesus is like an "anchor of the soul" (Heb 6:19). Anchors keep us from drifting away from the place of safety. I ask you today, are you anchored in Christ? Are you trusting Him today and looking unto Him as the Author and Finisher of your faith? He is indeed the "Captain" of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10).

And His ship will never go down! Get on board now while you still can!!!

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