The Vasa was going to be the pride of the Swedish navy. Commissioned by
the Swedish King, Gustavus Adolphus in 1626, she would take two years to
complete and no expense was spared in the construction of this floating
fortress. Measuring 226 feet long, painted in vibrant colors, topped by ten enormous
sails and adorned with ornate wood-carved sculptures, this ship was intended to
project military might. Vasa was more
than just eye-candy though, she also was armed to the teeth with 64 cannons and
enough barrack space to house 445 men. At its time, she was one of the most
expensive ships ever built with a multi-million dollar price tag in today’s economy.
However, there were problems
with her that only a few knew about. Her makers knew that Vasa was overweight, but they didn't dare say that to the Swedish
king who was off fighting in the Thirty Years War. That’s why August 10, 1628,
was a dark day in naval history. As the Vasa
set out on her maiden voyage from the Stockholm harbor hopes were high and so was
national pride. But the onlookers would be horrified by what they witnessed
next.
About a mile out to sea Vasa encountered a violent gust of wind.
Initially, she heeled to one side, but slowly righted herself. Then moments
later she listed again—so far that water washed into the lower gunport. To the
amazement of the people on shore, the Vasa
sank and an estimated 50 lives were lost. Vasa
was rediscovered in 1956, salvaged in 1961, and today she can be seen in a Stockholm
museum.[1]
In our Christian life we can
become overweight with too much excess baggage. Encouraging us in our spiritual
journey, the book of Hebrews says: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (12:1-2). Like
the lavishly decorated ship, we may project to others an impressive exterior, but
if we are weighed down with sin, guilt, regret and the other burdens of life our
perseverance can be severely impaired.
In context, the writer of
Hebrews is actually drawing an analogy from runners in the ancient Olympic
contests. No runner would think of running a sprint or marathon in a winter
coat and steel-toed boots. In fact, many ancient athletes competed in the nude
to be free of any clothing that would cause friction or hold them back. The
command to divest ourselves of sin and other worldly hindrances applies to you
and me in our spiritual race.
Consider the words of
Bible teacher Kent Hughes on this, “We each have characteristic sins that more
easily entangle us than others. Some sins that degrade and tempt others hold
little appeal for us—and vise versa. Sensuality may be the Achilles’ heel for
many men, but not all. Another who has gained victory over materialism may regularly
drink down jealousy’s deadly nectar. Dishonesty may never be an issue for some,
but just cross them and you’ll see the Devil’s temper! Whatever our sin looks
like, it must be stripped off and left behind or we will not finish well.”[2]
In other words, we must
learn to travel light. God help us to identify what sins threaten to sink our
ship, or trip us up in life’s race. And then give us the power to throw those hindrances
overboard or cast them aside never to return again. -DM
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