Knowing how the Titanic sank or why has been open for discussion for years, but the real reason for the tragedy was because of man's pride. Even the very actions of the captain leading up to and after the "accident" were marred with pride. Mankind has always sought to build something to elevate himself, starting with Nimrod, his family and friends. They said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." (Gen. 11:4) They make foolish and arrogant statements such as that or, "Not even God can sink this ship." And God just shakes His head and says, "Just watch me and see what I can do." Pharaoh also saw what God could do and yet men still continues to challenge God. Everything man has built will sooner or later come to an end, just as the Tower of Babel and the Titanic. But, we know that there is only one sure thing, and that is Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
One night the Lord said, the Titanic sinking was a tragedy, but it was also a prophecy of an even greater event. In the Book of Revelation chapters 18 and 19, we read that God is going to bring down Mystery Babylon, the mother of Harlots, all the world systems, including man-made religions will come to an end.
Such disasters are just warnings and prophesy that demonstrate what God allows to happen or initiates. Hopefully the next generation won't make the same mistakes. Many believe the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center on 9/11 was a warning or a wake-up call for America. It too was a prophecy and now man builds and even taller tower in their place.
God will continue to deal with man's pride by shaken them, whether it by terrorist, wars, fires, floods, hurricanes earthquakes, or economic collapse. He will humble mankind in order to try and save him. God's does not want to destroy us. He loves us and desire to bless the whole earth the way it was meant to be from the very beginning of time.
Note: The following is an allegory I wrote years ago based on the Titanic tragedy, and I've reedited it.
The Good Ship Christianity
There are many good men that have taken the helm of great ships but this one was the greatest one of them all. Many years of preparation, planning, designing, sweat and a lot of workers were involved in order to build this grand cruise ship named Miss Christianity, the pride of the fleet. The commander and staff of the corporation had declared and assured their supporters that this was the best. The passenger manifest showed all the experienced and well educated people that had been involved in creating this ship, as well as a long list of generous supporters. The ship featured many levels for their special guests; although everyone was assured that they were important. This ship was vaunted as the safest and the most comfortable of cruise ships in the world, one that not even the devil could sink. The designers and engineers had built in many safety features and escape plans, including their favorite "The Raptureus." Although it had never been tested; it had been hailed as the favorite by popular vote. Many books and movies had depicted it in theory, yet how it worked was anyone's guess; but everyone loved the idea anyway and it was considered foolproof.
Along with all of its safety features you could travel in the greatest of comfort, from small and simple berths to large and luxurious suites, while journeying to your next destination Heavenica, for the low price of only ten percent. Some thought that price was a bit high, but the promoters assured them that it would be well worth their money. After all, Heavenica was out of this world, its beauty was beyond description. A lot of promises were made on how this trip would change one's life. The only stipulations required for the trip were some do's and don'ts, taking an initiation pledge (and the plunge), and the promise to be "good" and to do "good" things. A few grumbled at first but eventually they gladly complied, because each passenger there was guaranteed that a mansion would be waiting for them upon arrival in Heavenica, and the guests would never have to work again. Plus, they were all assured before they got on board that this was the "trip of a lifetime," and nothing could stop them, not even the devil. So, with that understood, they proudly got in line, wearing their crosses and carrying all their old baggage on this maiden voyage to the promised land of Heavenica. Once on board, everyone settled in comfortably for the long voyage ahead of them.
As this grand ship left behind the "old life," everyone was excited about the cruise and the good things that would happen along the way. Some, mostly the older ones, couldn't wait to get to Heavenica with all its promises, a place where there were no more tears, sickness or sorrow. On board Miss Christianity, was found every form of entertainment you could think of, but mostly on Sundays. There were programs and all sorts of classes, special guest speakers from around the world as well as entertainment for every age. Yet, most people were content to just sit and listen rather than get involved themselves. Religious and secular music of every style was played on a sound system 24/7 to the delight of everyone. But, as the voyage continued, some passengers began to get restless, edgy, cranky, and some were just bored; the trip was taking much longer than expected. Most of the guests, however; were in no real hurry to get to Heavenica because they were having so much fun with all the activities and the pleasures of eating on the cruise. And though they had encountered a few storms, they had come through each one with little inconvenience. The promoters would speak to them once or twice a week, giving advice, reassuring them that all was well and that everything was going according to plan. They encouraged the guests to be patient, after all, we are doing this for God, and it will be worth it, it's just a matter of time.
But something happened along the way—a night that no one would soon forget. It was a dark and starry night, with a full moon watching from an almost cloudless sky, when the unthinkable happened. Many passengers were sleeping, while others were dancing and drinking the night away on board Miss Christianity. The crew had become careless and overconfident as time passed. The watchmen were at their posts, drinking lattes and watching their favorite program, Right Behind, a mini-series without the cross. On his way to get a refill, one of the watchmen noticed an object protruding from the calm sea. He immediately called the Captain. What they saw horrified them. It looked like two giant hands jutting from the sea. The Captain issued orders to come about hard to starboard hoping to avoid a collision with the hand-like objects, but it was too late and they collided with the left hand causing it to slice into the port side of the good ship Miss Christianity. They had tried to avoid it but now their only hope lay in a quick prayer, hoping that the design they had put their trust in would be enough to save them. They had barely felt the impact, yet the frantic reports coming from down below, painted a much direr picture.
The hopes and dreams of these great men soon evaporated at the realization that they had miscalculated and the impossible had happened. The Captain was reluctant to admit it, but he had no choice than to warn the sleeping passengers and crew. At first most of the passengers were confused, even after the alarms had sounded. They thought perhaps it was a drill, for it couldn't possibly be happening (for the captain was known to a kidder at times, because he didn't take life all that seriously). He now had to tell them the truth that their unsinkable ship was indeed sinking. The guests started to complain that they had paid a lot of money for this cruise and what about all those promises and safety features? Yet reality was before them like a nightmare you can't awake from. They were going down and nothing could stop it. The promoters tried to encourage the worried crowd that there was still hope, reminding them to remain calm. But what he saw on many of their faces was bewilderment, disbelief and even anger. As the ship began to lean, the passenger's attitude quickly changed from complaining to panic! Survival instincts kicked in... And it was me first!
While they had embarked with a sense of unity and shared purpose they now were bent on saving themselves as they scrambled to get off the Miss Christianity any way they could. But to their horror, when they got to the main deck, they were informed that there were not enough life boats for everyone. Most of them would die. Who should be saved and how would they decide, was now the question. Some yelled, "I'm an important person," Others cried, "I'm too young to die" or "This can't be happening." Many just shouted in disbelief, "You promised, and I believed you." No response was given or heard from the Captain or crew as panic ensued.
Likened to the ship Titanic, the religion of Christianity is just another religious ship on the sea of life. And no man-made religious ship will ever survive the left hand of God's judgement no matter what anyone claims. Its demise is just a matter of time. There is only one ship any of us needs to be on and that is the one where Jesus alone is the helmsman, not man. It's important that we place our faith in Jesus' words and not on what other people say. We must keep our eyes on Him and not on the circumstances or problems of life. It is not our precepts, doctrines or traditions that will save us, but a personal and intimate relationship with the Captain of the Sea, Jesus Christ.
