Lay not aside the oars

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Contentions always herald trouble. Jesus sets up the light of His
gospel to walk and work by, not to fight and argue under. We should
not be too surprised, then, if He decided to put it out and end the
whole dispute. If the tempest against the church had made Christians
all row the same way - as the Galilean storm caused Christ's
disciples to do - we could expect Jesus to come walking toward our
trouble in mercy and get us safely to shore. But when we throw away
the oar and start scuffling in the boat, while the wind roars all around
us, we are more likely to drive Jesus out than to invite Him in.
And we are in far more danger then of sinking than saving the ship -
and ourselves with it.

Think of the joy that burst forth from Christ, was it for contention?
Or was it for the victory given unto His church.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father;
for so it seemed good in thy sight. Luke 10:21

Love in Christ
frank