Almost 20 years ago the Chief of Naval Operations in the U.S. Navy had to make a difficult and sad announcement.
His message began with the sad words: “To those of us who have been brought up in the traditions of the sea, it is a sad occasion when a ship is reported lost.” The stunning news was that the Thresher, the pride of the U.S. Nuclear Submarine Fleet, was lost at the bottom of the sea.
Sometime in the early morning of that day, the Thresher had begun a series of deep test dives. Routine reports were exchanged with the Skylark, the surface ship accompanying her. At 9:13 a.m. the Thresher reported: “Experiencing minor difficulties. Am beginning to ascend. Will keep you informed.”
Four minutes later the Skylark received a garbled message from which only two words could be made out, and they were, “test depth.” The Thresher was heading toward the bottom unable to surface from her downward course!
The Bible warns us that we are on a dangerous downward course. It says in Matthew 7:1313Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Matthew 7:13), “Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” We are on a downward course that leads to a lost eternity, whether we realize it or not.
How tragic and terrifying it must have been to the crew of the Thresher to realize that they had no power to pull out of their descent to the bottom of the ocean. We, too, are absolutely helpless about doing anything that will keep us from slipping into that place of everlasting darkness without God.
But listen to this wonderful news from the Bible: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6). This means that because there was no way for us to be saved, God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for sinners. He is waiting to save you. You can only say “no” to the Lord Jesus for so long. Do not put off accepting Him as your Saviour. There is a “point of no return” after which it will be too late to be saved. For those on the Thresher, it was a “minor difficulty” that took their lives. For you it could be a car accident, an illness or the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The only time you can be sure of accepting salvation is right now! “Now is the accepted time; bold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and let Him be the Captain of your life, and your downward course will be turned around to an upward course that leads to heaven.
ML-05/23/1982