Covenant Church

Laila and I were with my sister Phyllys and her husband Wayne in Iquitos, Peru. Iquitos is a large city on the Amazon River. Arrival in Iquitos is by plane or ship. No roads go there.

It is odd to be in such a large city and know that the boundaries are jungle and water. We looked at the mighty river about five miles wide. It seemed so peaceful. Getting into a relatively small motor boat we made our way out of the bay and headed for the jungle.
The adventure was on. We were going to see a village where my brother-in-law, Wayne, had led the chief to become a Christian.

Too far from shore to swim back -- no life-jackets -- Wayne explained that the captain of our boat had to be very careful to stay in safe waters. Pointing out to the larger body Wayne said, “If this boat were to get into those waters the current could carry it out to sea. Persons overboard would likely never be found because of the powerful current.” He, of course, added appropriate comments about sea creatures not likely to enhance survival of a human in the waters.

We made our way back into a tributary of the Amazon. Less than five miles from Iquitos, we came to shore and met tribal people who still wear mighty few clothes. Wayne had taught the women to put a few more clothes on when westerners came to visit. Thus, some of them had wide necklaces of sea shells as their total clothing above the waist.

What a surprise to learn that none of the Indians of that tribe had ever been to Iquitos. Their homes and method of living were typical of primitives who lived thousands of years ago—yet they were only five miles from Iquitos.

Often I have remembered that trip. When I think of the Amazon so wide, so deep, and so powerful, there is yet room for my heart to tremble. What especially sticks in my mind is the thought of that powerful current, while the waters seemed so gentle.

One day seems to fold into another. The boat of life floats along with some turbulence, but at any given moment the balance between things past and things to come seems to present a steady flow of rather normal events. Not much changes, is the surface analysis.

In truth, the river of life has strong currents constantly creating change. Measured against yesterday there seems to be little difference. But when we stop and consider last year, five years ago, or even ten years ago, it is apparent that much has happened. Much is happening. The stage is set for much more to happen, i.e., the current is powerful, surging, and greater than any person can handle alone.

Changes in Kingdom work happen daily. Methods of missionary work are changing. Methodology of local church operation is changing. Pastors are experiencing phenomenal change in their personal and professional lives.

Those who piddle along in a little boat without knowing where they are going end up in waters too strong for them. Many times persons wanting a feel good experience without financial commitment choose friends and a place of worship that excuses them from honest stewardship. Rather than be accountable, the choice is to float in the religious stream of life. Doctrine becomes a trivial pursuit, while convenience and social networks become the primary objectives of religious pursuit.

The wary are sensitive to dangerous currents. The wise seek counsel, value wisdom from those who are mature, know the need of prayer, and act responsibly and consistently in seeking to live a full and mature Christian life. The wise want to know who has traveled the troubled waters; who has charted the paths that hold much danger; who has walked the long valleys and maintained integrity? The wise seek wisdom.

The wise know that change is inevitable. The wise know that things are not always as they appear to be. The wise make sure that Jesus is Captain of their boat guaranteeing their safe arrival.

Are you wise?

Recommending Jesus,

Pastor Bare
Mark 4:39