The Cruise

There was a nice couple who was rather poor but very much wanted to go aboard a cruise ship they have heard so much about. So they decided to save every penny they can, hoping to get a pair of tickets on the cruise during their lifetime. But no matter how they saved, it never seems enough.

Then one day, they received a letter informing them they had won a lucky draw that comes with a two weeks stay aboard the largest cruise liner in the world. All they needed to do was to reply to the letter. They happily did and received their tickets in the mailbox.

The day came when they boarded the cruise liner. Once they were onboard the massive ship, they were overjoyed and excited with the realization of their dream and hope. As the luxurious liner cruise towards the ocean and the waves that normally pounded and rocked smaller boats seem useless against this juggernaut. The couple was having the time of their lives, or so they thought.

However when the meal times came, when all the passengers went to the large and beautifully orated dining rooms to feast on their gourmet meals, the couple would quietly sneaked back to their cabin. They would then open their luggage full of stale bread and canned soups, where they would gratefully yet sadly share.

The couple often could smell the delicious food being served in the dining rooms, the laughter, the music and the sound of busy cutleries. They would see people filing out of the dining room happy, satisfied and glowing.

Although very much wanted to join them in the dining room, the couple knew that they cannot afford it. They would dreamed of the sumptuous meals the other guests had and literarily drooled in their sleep. They had turned down many invitations from other guests while pathetically sneaked back to their own cabin afterwards.

Nearly at the end of the trip, the captain of the ship noticed this couple and came up to them asking why they had never stepped into the dining room. Flushed with embarrassment, the couple replied that they don’t have enough money for dining as even their tickets came free.

To the astonishment of the captain and the other crews, the captain said: “Sir, Madam, I think you have been terribly mistaken. All the meals are included, it came together with the tickets you have received. You can eat all you want, whatever and whenever you want on this ship. With these tickets, you have the privilege of using anything, going anywhere and even requesting assistance from any of the crew, including myself. Haven’t you read properly the booklet that comes with the tickets? Just like the tickets, everything have been all paid for!”

Many people like the nice couple are missing out on Papa’s best and privileges as His children because they didn’t realize that all the good things in life has already been paid for. “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

If we can receive for a ticket that is set to cruise towards heaven from earth captained by our Lord Jesus Christ, what should our expectation be; to be properly fed and taken care of, to be starving from hunger or to be eating our own stale bread?

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11).

What are your thoughts?