This evening, as I was cleaning up after dinner, I was reminded of the wonderful old song "Ship Ahoy." I remember my uncle Dewitt singing it when I was a child. In the song, the phrase "Ship Ahoy" is a "wail of distress." This song paints a beautiful picture of what God does for us in rescuing us from the angry sea that can destroy us. The last verse is our call to those still in danger on life's stormy sea.

O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave,

The strong arm of our captain is mighty to save;

Then trust Him today, no longer delay,

Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way:

Jesus saves!

In Matthew chapter 25,we see the parable Jesus told of ten virgins. Five were foolish and five were wise. 

The wise virgins took oil in their vessels with their lamps, so they were prepared and ready for the Bridegroom to come. They were watching and waiting. When he called out to them, they ran to meet him and went with Him to the marriage.

The foolish virgins took no oil. They were not prepared. When the call came for them to go meet the Bridegroom, they found themselves not ready, in need of provision, with not enough oil in their lamps. When the Bridegroom came, they were distracted and gone to buy oil. Then when they tried to follow Him, it was too late. He said, "I know you not."

The ultimate message here is found in Matthew 25:13, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man cometh."

Make sure you know that you know His oil is in your vessel. Don't get distracted. Nothing in this world is worth losing your soul.