The space program has always fascinated me. Every time I have gone to the Kennedy Space Center has been a thrill. The adventures of astronauts are me living vicariously. I still dream of being the first Lutheran pastor to orbit the earth! Many years of training as a test pilot are required to be one of the elite NASA astronauts. That, and spending time in “the sim” (short for simulator). On one trip to the Kennedy Space Center we went on the Space Shuttle experience. It was designed to approximate as close and realistic as possible what if feels like to be launched in a rocket. Yes, it’s pretty cool. Astronauts spend countless hours in the “sim,” rehearsing every conceivable emergency procedure.

We don’t get that same opportunity in real life. Granted, our everyday existence does not present us with the harrowing dangers of manned space flight. When storm clouds move in, we may need to rely on more than simple horse sense or our gut instincts. Thankfully, we always have a flight manual, and a GPS wrapped as one: God’s Word. A real-life pilot who knows how to save us from any and all hazards on land, sea, or air.

As a Navy guy, I’ll share a “sea story.” The brave, heroic captain had never been bested by weather, pirates, or any other maritime calamity. Every morning, he had a weird routine. He locked himself in his captain’s quarters and opened a small safe. In that safe was an envelope with a slip of paper inside. He would stare at it, then lock it back inside. The crew wondered: was it a treasure map? A “Dear Jack” letter? Speculation flowed about the decks. Then Captain Jack died. After the crew buried him at sea, the first officer opened the captain’s quarters. Finally, the mystery would be solved. On the folded paper were the words “PORT IS LEFT, STARBOARD IS RIGHT”.

Don’t ever be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for directions (men especially!). The chart and compass we need for the journey are found in the Word made flesh. He has done his time in the “sim” which was to undergo every trial, every testing, even death on the cross, in order that we might safely arrive at the destination. We must still navigate the perils, the roadblocks, the tossing sea, the violent maelstrom of stormy weather. May you know for certain that his unconditional love brings us safely to shore. 

Pastor Art