CHRIST ON BOARD

John 6:21

“Then they willingly received Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they went”

The disciples of our Lord were traveling across the Sea of Galilee and a vicious storm came upon on the sea which threatened the boat. While they were struggling in the storm to keep afloat, Christ came walking to them. They did not recognize Him at first but when they did they welcomed him aboard their boat. This was the smartest thing they could have done in this storm. We note a couple lessons from this text.

FIRST—THE HOSPITALITY FOR CHRIST

“Then they willingly received Him into the boat.” We note three lessons in this hospitality of the disciples for Jesus Christ.

• The period of the hospitality. “Then.”It was in the time of storm that they welcomed Christ. Sometimes it takes a storm to threaten us before we become willing to ask and welcome God aboard in our life.

• The pleasure in the hospitality. “Willingly receive Him into the boat.” The disciples were extremely glad to see Jesus. They welcomed Him aboard with pleasure. And Christ will go where He is welcomed. If you do not “willingly”welcome Him, He will accommodate you desire and not force Himself upon you.

• The prohibiting of hospitality. “Then.”Our country is in real trouble, but it does not seem to want God to come aboard. The courts are running Him out of town, so to speak, by their antigod decrees and decisions. It is easier for a perverted sex person to get into our society than for God. That is how far down we have sunk. Our ship of state is in worst trouble than the sinking Titanic but our government pushes God away from the ship. “Stupid” is not a strong enough word for this lack of hospitality for God in our nation and world.

SECOND—THE HELP FROM CHRIST

“Immediately the boat was at the land to which they went.” When Christ is welcomed aboard our ship or boat of life, He gives great help. We note two forms of help here.

• He assures our deliverance. “Immediately the boat was at the land.” The threat of the storm upon the boat ended when Christ was welcomed aboard the boat. When the Lord is welcomed, we are not exempt troubles, but we are promised deliverance from them (Psalm 34:19). The Lord will help us to survive every affliction.

• He assures our destiny. “Immediately the boat was at the land which they went.” As soon as Christ was received the destiny of the disciples was achieved. How this speaks of the message of the Gospel. When Christ is received in our life, our destiny “immediately” becomes secured. Without Jesus Christ you will never make it to heaven, but when you welcome Him into your life he will secure your eternal destiny in heaven. Take Christ aboard in your life if you expect to succeed where it matters the most.[1]