Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”
This story was recorded by an officer in a naval magazine:
“Two battleships were assigned to the training squadron and had been at sea for several days in heavy weather. I was serving in the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge when the night fell. The visibility was poor with patchy fog so the Captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities. Shortly after dark the lookout on the bridge reported: “Sir there’s a light bearing on the starboard bow.” The Captain asked: “Is it steady or is it moving about?” The lookout replied: “Steady Captain.” This meant that we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The Captain then called to his signalman: “Signal that ship – we’re on a collision course – I advise you to change your course 20 degrees.” Back came the signal: “It’s advisable for you to change your course 20 degrees.” The Captain said: “Send the message – ‘I’m a Captain. Change your course 20 degrees’.” The signal came back: “I’m a seaman second class – but you’d better change your course 20 degrees.” By that time our Captain was furious. He spat out: “Send the message – I’m a battleship. Change your course 20 degrees.” Back came the flashing light: “I’m a lighthouse.” We changed course.”
It’s a well-known story, and makes a powerful point. How easy it is to have an over-inflated view of ourselves, our abilities, our comprehension of the facts. Yet only ‘the Lord is the Rock eternal’. Politicians, heads of corporations, and even ship captains speak and people listen. Sometimes it’s right that we do, but they will invariably have a limited perspective, so we always need to remember the one ultimate, secure, unshakeable ‘lighthouse’, the Word of God.
Lord, I choose to be strongly anchored in your Word today. Help me discern your voice amidst the many competing for my attention. Amen!
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