| | | | The Tale of the Sirens - Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1
What some Christians don't understand is that attempting to be right with God through following the law actually puts them into a yoke that will always be a struggle. But obeying God doesn't have to be a fight.
Those who have read the classics are probably familiar with the story of Ulysses. During his travels, the adventurer heard stories of the island of the sirens - deadly enchantresses who made such beautiful music that any sailors passing by would turn their ships toward shore and be dashed upon the rocks. No one had ever heard the song of these sirens and lived. This sounded like a worthy challenge to a daring man like Ulysses. He decided to become the first to hear this music and survive.
In order to achieve his goal, Ulysses put wax in the ears of his crew and instructed his men to tie him securely to the ship's mast. As they rowed past the island of the sirens, the seductive music began. Ulysses began to strain against the ropes, struggling to get loose so he could swim to shore. He cursed at his sailors to turn the boat toward the rocks, but the wax prevented them from hearing his cries. Ulysses continued to fight against his bonds until the ship moved out of range and into safety. Ulysses had heard the song of the sirens and lived - yet ever afterward he was haunted by the memory of the beguiling music.
Greek mythology also tells of another ship that passed this island, and yet survived. As its crew was being drawn by the deadly melody to disaster on the shoals, a gifted man on board named Orpheus grabbed a lyre and began to play. The music of Orpheus was so much sweeter that of the sirens, the men turned away from the rocks and sailed to safety, enraptured by the exquisite melodies.
Like Ulysses, if we attempt to please God by restraining ourselves with rules, we may obey, but we're always fighting against the ropes - our flesh's desire to sin. And at some point, we'll tire of the struggle, and give in to the sirens.
How much better to be like Orpheus, and hear the new song of Christ in our hearts, a love that is so powerful that although the world may seem attractive, it doesn't hold a candle to our relationship with Christ.
"Lord, help me to draw near to You today, and experience Your love in a new and powerful way."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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