“AND Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren... casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, ‘Follow Me.’ And they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matt. 4:18, 2018And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Matthew 4:18)
20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. (Matthew 4:20).) Eighteen hundred years have passed since the blessed Lord called those two poor fishermen, and ever since, down through these long centuries, has He again and again spoken to the toilers by the sea. Many a fisherman here, and many a sailor there, has heard that loving call, and gladly, joyfully left all that would hinder, and has followed Him through this world till called up to His rest above!
Ah, dear sailor friends, as you read this, just think of the long muster of names, all sailors, who, since the time when those two brothers were called from their nets to follow Christ, have shipped under the Great Captain, and who have now cast anchor in their desired haven. Not a gale did they weather alone; the Captain was with them, and His care was over them. His cheering words to them heartened them as nothing else could. Well, they are resting now, their voyage finished; but some there are who are just starting: some have just changed Captains, and I want to tell you of one who has lately done so.
He was no coward―this fisherman―yet often when out in a stiff gale, John would have been glad to be on land. Not that he was afraid of going to the bottom, there was something after.
Ah! that “after death;” thank God, HE will make you think of it sometimes. Why friends, don’t you know that is one way in which the Lord is calling you now? The next time you are in danger―and I know very well that in a few months’ time yet will face the wild storms in your fishing boats, with only a plank between you and eternity, ― just think of “after death.” Yes; the next stormy night your boat is tossing on the waves think of eternity, and see if it makes you happy. You know it won’t if you are not saved―if you are not sailing under the Captain of whom I tell you.
Remember, whether you are or not, He has called you; so if you are not, you are disobeying orders. John found that out me day when he was on shore. A gale had been blowing―the coastguards were all on the alert, and the lifeboat and crew were in readiness, for vessels were expected, and lone could make the harbor in such a sea, and if they were driven on the rocks, what then? Why, the lifeboat must be ready to do what could be done; and so the crew lounged about, and could not rest as they Looked across the wild white waves. As John waited amongst the others, an unusual dread came over him―What if the boat were wanted? Perhaps he would never come back, and then? Whilst he was thinking of this, someone passed amongst the men giving away gospel books. John had one put into his hand, and as he listlessly looked over it, he saw there was something in it about a man getting peace with God. He began to read it, and found it was the story of a fellow sinner’s conversion.
“That is what I want,” he thought; “I would not mind going out if only I knew it was all right with me.” Then he saw that the person of whom the book spoke did nothing to save himself, but just trusted to the Lord, confessing what a sinner he was. As John read this, it showed him just what he wanted, and that was the first time he really heard the Captain’s voice. As far as he could, he then and there trusted in the Saviour of sinners. He hardly knew how great a change had been wrought as he read that little story book; he was only conscious that he was not so troubled as he thought of “after death.”
Just as these things were filling John’s mind the shout came― “Man the lifeboat.” In a few minutes John was amongst the crew, pulling with all his might through the pitiless waves, which made as if they would swallow up the brave boat and her crew.
“If ever get safe back, I’ll be a Christian,” was the uppermost thought in the mind of John, as the lifeboat toiled on its way to the vessel over which the seas were breaking. John had found Christ, or rather the Saviour had found John. “When I get back, if ever I do,” thought our friend, “I will show my colors plainly, and find out all the rest about this salvation.”
He did get ashore again, and his first act was to fall on his knees and thank God for sparing him to learn more of what he had a glimpse only. As he read in the Bible, the blessed truths of God’s yearning love over him, a hell-deserving sinner, the precious grace of Christ filled his soul, and filled him with gratitude and praise.
Soon after, one of his comrades also was saved, and they rejoiced together.
And now, dear sailors and fishermen, remember Christ came into this world in love for sinners―in love for you and for me, He died on the cruel cross―in love for you God sends you His message, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten. Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That is His message to you. Remember all His love, and then remember, if you will not have Christ, and are lost forever, these very words will rise in judgment against you.
L.T.