ADRIFT IN LIFE’S SARGASSO SEA
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1 NIV
The Sargasso Sea is the only sea in the world that has no coastline. It is located in the north Atlantic 20 o N to 35 o N and 30 o W to 70 o W, and covers approximately 2,000,000 square miles with depths ranging from 5000 to 23,000 feet. It derives its name from the free-floating seaweed (sargassum) strewn over its vast surface. Winds are normally extremely calm and move in a clockwise manner caused by a confluence of the Gulf Stream on its west, by the Canary Current on its east, by the North Atlantic Current on its north and by the N Atlantic Equatorial Current on its south.
The Sargasso Sea slightly changes position as its surrounding currents change with weather and temperature patterns during different seasons. These different currents interface to separate the Sargasso Sea from the rest of the Atlantic, thus creating the calm conditions and slow-moving circulatory winds. The legendary “Bermuda Triangle” is located in its NW quadrant.
Stories of “a sea of lost ships” predates the journalism surrounding the “Bermuda Triangle” by centuries and were, in many ways, strikingly similar to recent “Bermuda Triangle” horror accounts. Laying aside all the obvious myths and folklore surrounding the Sargasso, we will find it profitable to carefully look at the facts surrounding this, the most mysterious of seas, for in many ways it suggests some pitfalls Christians may encounter in their spiritual life.
As long as the sailing ships of a previous time did not journey too far into the central area of the Sargasso they were able to correct their course and continue on to their destination. It was when the ship’s captain, unaware of the danger that existed, slowly sailed toward the Sea’s center, in the direction of no return. This is typical of sin’s allure. Many believe they can “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” and walk away from it whenever they desire only to discover that the enslaving power of a life of carnality is much stronger than they had imagined. The more involved a person becomes in the ways of the world the greater the likelihood of their being unable to “come out from among them, and be separate.” The only certain answer to their plight is turning to Jesus for deliverance.
With the advent of powered vessels came the opportunity to explore the Sargasso’s secrets. Derelict vessels were found there more often, shipshape but deserted. On one occasion a ship carrying human cargo was sighted with nothing but skeletons aboard. What lies at the bottom of this sea has quickened the imagination of many. In today’s world, the Sargasso poses no barrier for the steam and nuclear powered ships that plow through it regularly.
Power-driven ships are relatively new in nautical history but for centuries wind-driven ships were the only means of marine transportation. It is these frail vessels that aptly typify our spiritual sojourn in our “earthly tents”. Paul uses this description in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. “For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.” (NASB)
How do we connect the Sargasso Sea to our lives as Christians? Let’s consider some ways it might.
I. THE PERIL OF AIMLESS DRIFTING
There was nothing in the Sargasso Sea to which stranded ships could anchor. Columbus, who discovered it, was deceived into believing that he was near land because of the abundance of sargassum that could be seen in the area. He tried to fathom the depth but found no bottom. In fact, some three miles below him lay the Nares Abyssal Plain of the great sea.
The spiritual application is obvious. Drifting, whether physical or spiritual, denotes no goal, objective or progress. No progress can occur when all movement is only random drifting. The writer of Hebrews cautions us to pay careful attention to the truths we have been taught and not stray from them. Keeping our spiritual eyes focused on Jesus will assure us of not drifting.
If we anchor our life in the Lord Jesus we can rest assured that our anchor will hold regardless of the severity of the storm. Ruth Caye Jones captured this truth when she wrote “In Times Like These”. The first and third stanzas fittingly apply in today’s world.
In times like these you need a Savior;
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure; be very sure your anchor holds
And grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior;
In times like these l have an anchor;
I’m very sure, I’m very sure my anchor holds
And grips the Solid Rock!
II. THE PERIL OF ENTANGLEMENT
The Sargasso posed an imminent peril to sailing vessels that drifted too far toward its center. Insufficient wind velocity prohibited purposeful movement which further exacerbated the risk of entanglement with the copious seaweed. Soon the entanglement would become so great that all hope of escape faded and a sense of hopelessness overcame the crew.
The Christian’s entanglement with their previous sinful habits can occur in much the same manner. It may start as an aimless drift away from the path of godly living. Satan is all too willing to assist in speeding up the retreat of the Christian. If our archenemy is successful it will produce a situation that Peter described so vividly. Pay close attention to his admonition. “And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them. They make these proverbs come true: "A dog returns to its vomit", and "A washed pig returns to the mud." 2 Peter 2:20-22 NLT
These are strong words from the Apostle. Here he makes it clear that many, having heard the Gospel and who readily embraced its message to the point where their lives evidenced turning from the “wicked ways of the world”, but later get “tangled up with sin and become its slave again”, are worse off then if they had never heard the Gospel. Believing “unto reformation” is one thing…believing “unto salvation” is quite another. The evidence of true conversion is seen when a person comes out from among the worldly and unbelieving crowd and separates himself unto God. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
III. THE PERIL OF CIRCULAR WINDS
The winds of the Sargasso relentlessly circle in a clockwise fashion described by one oceanographer as a “gigantic slow; very, very slow, perpetual hurricane.” The Israelites were “locked in” to such a situation. Israel action, along with God’s clear displeasure, is told by Moses in Deuteronomy 2:2-3 “And the LORD spoke to me saying, ‘You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.’” (NASB) As long as the Israelites circled Mt. Seir they were getting no closer to Canaan; a lot of movement but no progress. We might find this typical of many Christians in today’s world.
Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15 NASB
It is evident that some in the church in Ephesus were “carried about by every wind of doctrine” or else Paul would not have written about it. I feel confident in saying that every pastor who has been in the ministry for any appreciable period of time has seen evidence of this occurring time and time again.
IV. THE ANSWER TO THE PERILS OF LIFE’S SARGASSO SEA
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1 NIV
The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to give attention to “what we have heard”, or to say, give heed to the message of the Word of God. Read the Word; study the Word; teach the Word; preach the Word; obey the Word and we will find the strength to stand and the power to overcome. This is made clear in Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (NIV)
Paul’s instruction to Timothy has application to every servant of God today, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Every Christian, preacher and layperson alike, must stay focused on Christ and live in the light of God’s Word if we are to avoid the spiritual “Sargasso” seas that confront us daily.
