The news this week was filled with stories of people who died while attempting to cross the sea from Libya to Italy. Hundreds of people trying to escape lives of oppression, war and poverty only made it to a watery grave.
Those desperate people paid huge amounts of money to be smuggled in cramped vessels to find a better life. They put their lives in the hands of smugglers because their route wasn’t legal. Assured of a safe crossing by the people who took their money, the smugglers failed to keep their part of the deal. The ships used for their transport could be seized by the authorities or be abandoned upon arrival. A seaworthy vessel would cost much more and cut into the smuggler’s profits. These people died because they trusted people that were not trustworthy.
The people knew there were risks but didn’t expect to die. Seeing the rusty old ship, they must have reasoned it would stay afloat “long enough.” Even if doubts lingered, how could anyone turn back when they were so close to their dream? Doubts must have haunted them as strangers crammed them into unbelievably small spaces to increase the smuggler’s profits even more. A feeling of relief when the boat left the shore turned to panic when the boat ran into trouble. There was nobody to help as the boat sank beneath the waves. The people who took their money weren’t on the boat. Did they use their last breath to curse the people who cheated them or cry out to GOD? I hope some knew JESUS as their Savior and made it to the “better life” they were seeking.
JESUS is someone you can trust. He will keep His part of the deal and help you find a better life. He will take you the “legal” route and more importantly will give you immunity from prosecution for violations you have committed. You won’t need to give Him large sums of money, because He already paid for your passage. The price was high, but He personally paid it for “whosoever believes in Him” so they won’t perish. He may not take you away from the place you live, but He will help you during your journey and eventually take you to a better place, where you will live forever with Him.
Wayne Lance (2015) – That’s Good News to Share!