By Larry Rosenbaum
Christians often ask us what “SOS” stands for. “SOS” is the international distress signal, used initially for ships that were in danger of sinking: “Save our Ship.” Speaking of sinking ships, let me tell you the Parable of the Two Ships:
Two ships were traveling together: Destruction and Salvation. Destruction was beginning to sink. This was evident to the people on Salvation, but those on Destruction couldn’t see it. Salvation had all the necessary resources to save the people on Destruction. So the people on Salvation sent out a few rescue boats. They rescued a few people but found that most people refused to believe their ship was sinking, and would not be rescued. “If they could see that our ship is sinking,” they reasoned, “why did so few people from Salvation come to rescue us?”
Word spread throughout Salvation that the rescue operation would be difficult because of this resistance. A few people were determined to continue the effort, but most refused to join them. They had comfortable living quarters, great food, and lots of activities to keep them busy. Why brave the seas on small boats to try to rescue people who didn’t want to be rescued? They also reasoned that they didn’t have any special training in rescue operations and that they were not especially gifted at rescuing people. So they continued on their cruise and pretty much forgot about the other ship, although some enjoyed speculating about the exact date when the ship Destruction would finally sink.
No Excuse
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16: 15). “You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you shall be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Our Lord has commanded us to rescue those around us who are headed for eternal torment in Hell. He has given us supernatural power to rescue them. Still, most Christians refuse to obey Him. We are busy with our job, family, church activities, and entertainment.
Many Christians say, “I am not called to do evangelism.” It is like a person on a sinking ship saying, “I am not called to rescue people.” We have forgotten the urgency of the task God has called us to. Where is our compassion for the lost people Jesus died for? A hundred thousand people die each day, destined for Hell! Yet how much time do we spend trying to reach these people with the words of Eternal Life? Can you imagine someone who had discovered a cure for cancer and kept it a secret? We have a message that can change a person’s eternal destiny, and we are silent!
Our churches should be places where Christians are trained and stirred to bring the gospel to the lost. Instead, the subject is rarely mentioned from the pulpit. We need to stop being so preoccupied with the cares of this life, and start thinking about eternal things. This world is a sinking ship, and it is going down fast! We need to rescue as many as we can, before it is eternally too late!
