Remember the horrible grounding of the Costa Concordia cruise ship? Among the rescue stories from the January, 2012 disaster, this one struck me.
“I owe my life to husband’s sacrifice, says survivor who was given last life jacket,” stated the newspaper headline on an article about a French woman who lived through the catastrophe.
Nicole Servel, 61, recalled how “He said to me ‘jump, jump’. And as I don’t know how to swim, he gave me his life jacket.” The body of her husband, Francis, was later found in the wreckage, one of more than 30 people who died after the boat ran aground along the Italian coast, then keeled over.
Consider these facts about Mrs. Servel’s sad, amazing story:
- She was in serious danger;
- She was incapable of escaping that danger;
- If someone had not come to her rescue, she would have died, and;
- That rescuer gave up his life for her.
Why did this hit me so hard? Because it’s the story of Jesus of Nazareth, who many people believe is the Son of God. Ponder these points:
1. Even though it’s not obvious to most of us, you and I are in danger – in danger of losing our eternal lives because of the wrong things we do and the right things we fail to do. Because we reject the guidance of our creator.
2. You and I are incapable of escaping that danger. Despite my efforts, I’m still selfish, conceited, uncommunicative, and reluctant to truly care for God’s people and His creation.
My struggles are shared by all humanity, no matter how “good” some of us appear to be. Even the late Mother Teresa, a shining beacon of goodness, knew she couldn’t save herself. That’s one reason she turned to God.
3. If someone doesn’t come to our rescue – to make up for the shortcomings you and I can’t fix on our own – then we’re doomed to lose our eternal place with God. That “someone” is Jesus.
Looking for evidence? Consider these words from one of the four original-source accounts of Jesus’ life: “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him would not be lost, but have eternal life.”
4. Jesus gave up His life for me and for everyone else who wants to be rescued and is willing to follow Him. His death on a cross made up for our wrongs and His resurrection paved the way for us to have eternal life. Here’s more evidence, from one of His earliest followers: “Jesus offered one sacrifice, once and for all, when He offered Himself.”
One man’s sacrifice has let Nicole Servel continue living this life. But the sacrifice of another man can let Nicole and anyone else who believes in and follows Him have life, with God, forever. One of those people can be YOU.
What do you think? Agree or disagree, post a comment and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
Very nice article. Please allow me to tell you that as a former employee of Costa, I can tell you that it is the most unsafe company in the world. And although it will sound a little out of context, it is the fault of management. Captains and officers are drinking, having parties, ladies (very important as they are going also the the Bridge, having parties in there) etc etc , and all the rest of the crew acts as slaves for them.
What happened to Costa Concordia was not unfortunate; it was a clear mistake and Carnival Co. knows that, but it will not admit this.
Dear sora, my daughter and I were on the costa Concordia when it sunk. They waited to long to do something. Glad you stand for yourself and made a statement how they are. I would like to hear from you.
Thanks for your comment, Sora. I can’t comment on anything you’ve written, but I can ask these very important questions:
1. What did you think of the comparison between the woman’s rescue and the basics of Christianity?
2. Are you interested in considering the gift of another man’s sacrifice, a gift that can transform your life now and for eternity?
Frank, what a wonderful and well written article.
I agree with your parallel to the Christian faith.
Thank you for posting this.
Beautifully written, I looked at your Facebook page and you make me want to be a better person. Stunning photos, great causes, a humble appreciation of the world God has given us. Thanks!
Wow, thanks for the very kind words! I’m almost speechless. Almost. 😉
Your God sounds bitter and angry.
Thanks for your comment, Taz; I appreciate it. Actually, “my” God (I like to think of Him as the world’s God) offered all us – you, me and the rest of humanity – an extraordinary gift in Jesus. Bitter and angry “gods” don’t usually do that kind of thing, as far as I know.
Has something happened in your life to lead you to think of God as bitter and angry?
@sora
You are 100% right. The vessel was not seaworthy at any time and the accident was just bound to happen … and more similar accidents will happen as the shipowner does not change style, i.e. improve safety at sea.
Thanks for your comment, Anders.
1. What did you think of the comparison between the woman’s rescue and the basics of Christianity?
2. Are you interested in considering the gift of another man’s sacrifice, a gift that can transform your life now and for eternity?