I first wrote the devotional below about thirty years ago when I was working as a ministry assistant for a college pastor in Illinois. I was tasked with writing a devotional booklet for the students. While reading the news this morning this content came back to mind as I read about the Dali, a 980 foot long cargo ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
The article talked about the final three minutes on the ship before the tragic impact at 1:25 am, Tuesday March 26th 2024.
The Pilot had come aboard to lead the boat safely away from the local dock and out to sea. Many may not be aware of the difference between a ship’s Captain and the Pilot and how they command the ship.
The Captain directs course and direction as it crosses the sea. But a Pilot comes aboard as they approach, or in this case, leave port. The Pilot’s task is to guide the ship through the local harbor in safety. Well, that’s supposed to be the case.
The Maryland pilot who was guiding the Dali out to sea had over a decade of experience, working on a merchant ships. He worked his way up to becoming a ship’s Captain. Then he continued to train for several more years to become a pilot. Earning a state license that requires great knowledge of the local waters.
The pilot is required by law to be on the bridge as the ship crosses the harbor. The ship’s foreign captain is there, but does not know the local waters and allows the pilot to navigate the ship through the local port of which he is intimately familiar. With this understanding, I hope the devotional below makes even more sense. I’ll make a note at the end on how I should probably update this devotional in light of the disaster.
Please keep in prayer the families who lost loved ones in this tragic event.
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The Pilot.
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John 6:16-21
“When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not yet come to them. Then a high wind arose, and the sea began to churn. After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. He was coming near the boat, and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid!” Then they were willing to take Him on board, and at once the boat was at the shore where they were heading.”
There was a boy who became a sailor at a very young age.
He rose rapidly through the ranks and eventually was made the captain of a ship. At the end of one voyage he was approaching land when a passenger asked if he intended to anchor the ship and call for some help in entering the harbor. This after all is a usual maritime procedure.
“Not I!” Said the proud young boat captain. “I expect to be in the dock with the morning tide.”
A crew member spoke up in support of the passenger’s idea to call for a Pilot. The young captain quickly responded, “I am my own Pilot.”
More determined than ever, to reach the port quickly, he took a narrow channel to shorten the distance. His crew of experienced seamen shook their heads. Passengers said they were in no hurry and urged him to take a wider and safer course. He laughed at all of them and pressed on. Until the vessel ran aground on a sand bar.
The shipwreck caused an end to his promising career and totally humiliated him. Passengers had to be retrieved by small boats and his ship was damaged beyond repair and later scuttled.
Avoid the tragedy of a shipwrecked life.
Call for a Pilot to bring you in.
There is only one who can, “Jesus, Savior, pilot me!”
Updated Note**
**Jesus IS the only Pilot who knows ALL THINGS. He can see the problems with the ship, the barriers ahead and the bridge overhead. Trust Him fully when He comes on board. Only He is the perfect Pilot. None other is able to know and do for you what He can. Following anyone else, puts YOU at risk and ALL the lives you may touch.
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