Minister's Corner

In the ancient world, ships often included in their crews a powerful swimmer. In case of a shipwreck within sight of land, this person's job would be to swim to the shore, carrying a line, and he would fasten it securely to something sturdy and stable on-shore, so the rest of the crew could follow in safety. This “rescue swimmer” was called in Greek: archegos.

“Our salvation is secured by the efforts of Christ, but we must still pull our way to him on the lifeline that he provides.”Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was called the very same thing by the writer of Hebrews 12:2 — “Looking to Jesus, the archegos and perfecter of our faith.” Many Bibles translate archegos into our English word pioneer, forerunner, or author, and Jesus is certainly our pioneer and trailblazer. But being a pioneer can imply a sort of rugged individualism that goes out and away from weaker souls who may not dare or be able to follow. Pioneers often do not pay much attention to those who are left behind, adrift, aground, or alone.

“Rescue Swimmer” seems to be a better translation. Jesus is our strong rescue swimmer. His power fixes our lifeline on the shore so that we can pull our way to safety. Our salvation is secured by the efforts of Christ, but we must still pull our way to him on the lifeline that he provides.

We who are a part of the community of faith in the church know that there is no way we can go it alone by ourselves. We too often run aground and get stuck. We know the distress and fear of being adrift — dead in the water. We need strong swimming not only in Christ, but also in the Christ who lives in our midst as Christians. We need help. But we have to choose it, and use it! Christ offers his lifeline to everyone, and in many different ways: our task is to grasp it, hold on, and pull for shore.

Peace & Blessings,
Rev. Garry