Saturday, March 19
The Life and Challenges of a Long-Ago Christian, Part 3
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. —Proverbs 10:25
Simon the Shark Speaks
in Port and at Sea 62 AD
I’ve sailed these waters for fifteen years, delivering cargo fast and safe. They call me Simon the Shark. I run a tight ship and make money, lots of it. Last time out, though, nothing worked out. The hold was full; the weather was good. But just before time to sail, I lost two of the crew. I was short two men and nobody on the docks needed work. About midnight I sent my mate out to grab two bodies, any bodies would do. He brought back a couple of young kids he found wandering out late. One of them, Zeno, was a sturdy lad. But the other, Markos, looked like a dreamer. They were both scared but trying not to show it. I told them they would work for me and work hard or get chucked overboard when we were at sea. Well, they were tougher than they looked and learned the ropes in a hurry. I thought we were in for a good voyage.
Then the storm struck. It was wild. The roughest I’d ever seen. We had to jettison the cargo, but the ship was still drawing water, ready to break. A couple of the crew were washed overboard. Finally, the only thing we could do was pray to the Baal of storms. Zeno and Markos refused. “We’re Christians,” they cried out over the storm, “There is one God, our Lord. We only pray to him.” “This is our last chance. Pray with us to Baal or over the side you go,” I roared. Zeno was terrified and agreed to join us but not the dreamer. I picked Markos up to hurl him overboard, shouting, “See if your God will save you, then!” As the raging waters were closing around him, Markos called back, “My faith is my shield.”
Help us to keep faith, Lord, however fearsome the challenges facing us may be. We know you are at our side supporting us. Amen.
Guy Johnson