The Fragrance of Christ

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ" [2nd Corinthians 2:15-17]
We the church, and individually are surrounded by people who will perish in their sins. That sounds harsh. It is.
Once upon a fairer time my wife and I had a boat. We never took Third Angel on the open seas without first making a thorough check of the vessel; the basics like fuel, oil level, electrical systems, ground tackle (anchor) bilge, propane alarm, and of course all necessary safety equipment. This meant PFD's at the ready or worn, a radio check, weather check, activate GPS to acquire satellites, radar check, chart check (over intended course) and a sail plan which we left with the marina office if we were gone overnight.
This meant we were doing everything we could to insure a safe journey. Failures happen all the time, but it is those who have prepared that are most likely to survive.
Christians are aboard the Good Ship Zion and Christ is at the helm. That being so, we know that all systems are good to go; everything that could be done has been accomplished to assure safe passage for all on board. In irreducible terms, we have but one thing to do: Get on board. Some will refuse, and, pointing to the 9' punt tied up alongside their porch, will insist they can make it on their own. Others will delay; saying...(as with a missed bus) "I'll catch the next one."
When Zion gets underway there is no next one.
Knowing what will happen...and what is happening...in the world and to our neighbors, will we speak? Will we invite them to church? Will we overcome our timidity; our fear they will think us daft; fanatical even?
There is a mariners code: You always lend help to a vessel in distress. Several times we towed stranded vessels back to their home port/slip. Once we had to be towed because we lost steering due to a ruptured hydraulic line. On a boat...any boat...if anything can go awry it will. In life...every person's life...if anything can go wrong it will...and it does.
Think of all the hymns that have a nautical theme: title or phrase.
I've anchored my soul in the haven of rest...
When sorrows like sea billows roll it is well with my soul...
Jesus Saviour pilot me...
Shelter in the time of storm...
Who will our Pilot be...
Is that the good ship Zion, I see...
Wide, wide is the ocean, deep, deep is my Saviour's love...
Large ocean-going vessels are almost always brought into port by a pilot...not the captain of the ship. The pilot knows every turn, every obstacle, and the vagaries of the currents. Jesus Christ is the Captain and our Pilot and He will bring this vessel home...soon.
Sail on! e.c.