109 Perilous Voyage
Ishmael signed on to be a deck hand for a long voyage across the sea. He stood in attention with the rest of the crew as the owner of the vessel gave a book of directions to the captain. The owner explained that the book contained instructions sufficient for the entire journey. If the captain and crew followed the book, they would safely get to the destination on the other side of the ocean, guaranteed the owner.
After the ship sail, the captain called the crew in to examine the book. Ishmael was at the edge of the gathering, peering in. The author of the book laid out general principles to govern the crew on their voyage so that there would be no quarrels or fights. The author described various possible contingencies and how best to deal with them. Finally, the author warned the latter part of the journey will be especially perilous, with treacherous waters, tempests, and storms. However, the author assured that a pilot will be provided for the final leg of the journey who would be able to navigate the ship through the stormy waters, ever-shifting coasts, and other ocean hazards without fail. The author also counseled for the entire crew to heed the words of the pilot and do as he says to help ensure the safety and survival of the crew and ship.
Ishmael marveled at the words spoken in the book. He along with the rest of the crew faithfully carried out their duties during the voyage. Ishmael, as well as the crew, found that the book was full of wisdom and good guidance. When the captain deviated from the instructions of the book, the ship was then found in dangerous situations. Everyone on the ship eventually came to trust the book with the life.
At the appointed time, the pilot appeared at the time specified. Ishmael rushed to greet the pilot as he was about to board the ship. However, some of the crew blocked the pilot's entry. "We have no need of your services," argued some of the crew members. "We stand upon this book and that is enough for us. Leave us and we will make the final leg of the journey on our own." Ishmael was taken aback by the fierceness of the dissenters.
"Should we not welcome the pilot and heed his words?" cried out Ishmael as he drew close to the pilot. "If you truly follow the book of directions, would this not be the right thing to do?"
There was a silence, then the crew slowly started dividing into two groups, either those that would continue the voyage alone or those who would stand with the pilot and Ishmael.
Judge for yourself. Who truly followed the book of directions? Those who rejected the pilot or those who would receive him as the book instructed them to? In the same way it will be for the end times. Only those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, that is to say, the spirit of prophecy, will safely navigate the perilous end times to safely meet with their Lord and Savior at the Second Coming.
- Recommended reading: John 5:19-47
