When I was a child, my grandma used to sing an old hymn that her daddy sang to her called, “The Lifeboat.” Grandma has been gone several years now, but I can still hear her singing this hymn. I never thought much about the words when she sang it, but now I know their significance. The cross of Christ and His resurrection are the lifeboat that saves us from drowning in a sea of sin and selfishness and going to hell. How I pray that we are all "jewels" aboard the lifeboat so we can spend eternity together with our Saviour!
The hymn goes like this -- We’re floating down the stream of time, we have not long to stay; the stormy clouds of darkness will turn to brightest day. Then let us all take courage, for we’re not left alone; the lifeboat soon is coming to gather the jewels home. Sometimes the devil tempts me, and says it’s all in vain to try to live a Christian life and walk in Jesus’ name; but then we hear the Master say, “I’ll lend you a helping hand, and if you’ll only trust me, I’ll guide you to the land.” The lifeboat soon is coming, by eyes of faith I see as she sweeps thro’ the waters to rescue you and me, and land us safely in the port with friends we love so dear. “Get ready,” cries the Captain; “Oh, look, she’s almost here.” Oh, now’s the time to get on board, while she is passing by; but if you stand and wait too long, you shall forever die; the fare is paid for one and all, The Captain bids you come and get on board the lifeboat, He’ll carry you safely home. [Refrain]--Then cheer, my brother, cheer! Our trials will soon be o’er! Our lov’d ones we shall meet, shall meet, upon the golden shore. We’re pilgrims and we’re strangers here, we’re seeking a city to come. The lifeboat soon is coming to gather the jewels home.
Matthew 14:30-33 – “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Psalms 56:3 - “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” John 3:17 - “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Remember, it’s not enough to view Jesus as your lifeboat -- you have to get in the lifeboat if you want to be saved!
Artist: Gaithers featuring David Phelps
Writers: M. M. Brabham, J.R. Bryant
