A Lesson From the Iceberg

Luke 2:39-52

39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.

43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.

44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries was formed in 1861.  In 1869, White Star Lines, also known as Oceanic Steam Navigation Company began a partnership to build ocean liners.  In the early part of the 20th century, White Star Line decided they wanted to compete with the Atlantic transit, and began construction on three ships that were to be the largest and fastest of it’s day.  The RMS Titanic surpassed all of its rivals in luxury and its rich and superior quality.  It was thought unsinkable because it was built to handle flooding in 4 of its 15 sections without adversely affecting its continued sail.  The hull was double-walled.  It was a wonder to see and a dream to take part in her maiden voyage.

On April 12, 1912, the RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton, England with the intention of reaching New York City in 5 days.  There were 2224 passengers on board the ship, 891 of which were crew.  At approximately 11:40pm on the 14th, the ship hit an iceberg, and at 2:20am, 2 hours and 40 minutes later, sank.  It is estimated that 1500 people died that night.  Only an estimated 700 people lived to recall the disaster that struck that night.

It has to be assumed that the crew in the wheelhouse that night took lightly the danger that lurked in the waters.  It was also assumed that the captain that night was under pressure to reach port early to bring even more hype and lure to the ship.  Little did anyone know what lied ahead against the pride and disconcern that was shown that night.

It is estimated that an iceberg only reveals about 10% of its structure above the surface of the water. The shape of the remainder under the water can be difficult to surmise from looking at what is visible above the surface.  This has led to the expression “tip of the iceberg, generally applied to a problem or difficulty, meaning that the visible trouble is only a small manifestation of a larger problem.  The eye, without looking beyond the norm, does not see the main part, or the root, or the core, of the iceberg.  The problem or the foundation of an iceberg is below the surface.

Have you seen one of the shows or movies that recreate someone trying to walk across a frozen lake?  Can you picture the apprehension step after step of the unknown surface?  What about the fear that would seize you if you heard a crack following your next step?  But oh the comfort and hind-sight gratefulness of looking back over that lake and knowing that you didn’t have to hike around the entire thing, through the brush and woods.

Imagine now an ice cube in a glass of your favorite drink.

What I love as I look back and consider the life of Christ, is the time he kept.  All we know about his early years is that he loved God’s temple, his word, and grew in favor with both God and man.  He was obedient to his parents and respectful of those in authority over him.  And God was watching.

Think about how your life and your actions have set the course for where you are today.

The Word says…

Isaiah 55:6  (NIV) Seek the Lord while he may be found…

2 Tim 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.  10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

John 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  19Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.