PARABLE of the TALL SHIPS

A wise Captain and owner of a fleet of ocean going vessels went down to the docks to see a man who sold cargo ships: large multimast boats capable of commercial transport. The owner of the marina explained that he only had two available. "One," he said,” just came from the builders -the other, just in from the storm." The captain knew what storm the man was talking about, having lost ships that he was now trying to replace.

He went on, "The worst storm of the century some are sayin'! That's where this one here that's all tore up just came in from. She just limped in out of that storm like a beat dog." He pointed,” You can see, two of 'er masts are cracked near the base. I'm surprised they didn't break clean off like the main mast did. She's banged up all over as well. Need lots of repairs and a good scrub and polish, a 'course, 'fore she's fit to sail again!"

And then excitedly he turned the master sailor to show him the brand new ship: a grand and tall sailing vessel. The Captain had to squint his eyes to shield them from the brightness reflected off the polished chrome and brass and bronze that adorned the magnificent new vessel. "Now this here's a beauty. She's a bit pricey, mind you, but worth every penny. State of the art! And brand spankin' new! She's never been outside of this here jetty. We just put her in the water the other day."

"Aye, she's a beauty that she is!" the wizened sea veteran agreed but as he did he turned to the beat up and broken vessel that lay sorrowful and bruised in the water and propositioned the seller, "How much will ya take for that one?" Shocked, the harbor master looked to the man pleadingly saying, "If its money that's the problem..." but the Captain cut him short, "No! No! You know I run a large fleet and money is not the issue here!" And the seller looked on still incredulous, for he himself was very impressed with his new ship and had seen how the Captain had admired it as well. But the fleet owner went on to explain:

"In that devil of a storm, I lost some ships and many men as well.  And if I can help it that's not gonna happen again. You see, where many other ships failed in that great tempest - this one came through. A bit worse for the wear, 'tis obvious, but she made it; and her men and all the cargo survived. "And now we know something about this here ship. She's been tested, tried in the fire as it were, and she's survived. That's more than you can say for alot of others which didn't make it. And who can say with this new one here?

"A fine looking ship she is, I'll grant you, but who would you trust the lives of your crew to - this one here which has never been to sea and may or may not be seaworthy or survive in great waters? Or this one who's taken the worst this ole sea can throw at her and survived intact to sail another day? We know she can take the rough stuff!" And so the sale was made and the Captain had a new ship. The harbor master was disappointed that he didn't sell the more expensive one, but still he had to admire the wisdom of the Master's choice.

So, ready to restore the broken vessel and add it to his fleet, the Captain took his leave. As he departed he turned and said, "And don't worry, that other is a fine looking ship and most people are overly impressed by outward appearance. You should have no trouble selling her. And who knows maybe she'll prove to be a good bet after all." So with a tip of the hat and a grin the wise Captain climbed to shore and sauntered off confident in the vessel he had chosen while the harbor master stood watching him leave, scratching his head.

Like the wise Captain, God is choosing in this hour based not on appearance but on survivability. Jesus said "I have prayed for you that your faith fail not." "Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah." -Is 1.9

Many have come through violent storms. They have survived somehow, where others have failed. The God who 'sees not as man sees' is getting ready to do some fixin' up and polishin' as he chooses those, beat up and broken, whose faith has endured.

"My brethren, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that has come to try you...." - The Apostle Peter