Turvallisilla vesillä — In Safe Waters
In Finland, many churches have miniature models of ships on display. Nave tradition dates to the Middle Ages and came to Finland from Central and Southern Europe. Church ships are also called votive ships. The name comes from the Latin word votum, which means promise, prayer, wish, and gift. When in peril at sea, sailors have prayed and made promises to God. Seamen donated miniature models of ships as a memorial to the church. On some occasions, miniature ships have been given to the church as a remembrance for those who drowned at sea, or ships are donated in honor of holidays.
In its history, the church has been compared to a ship. “The church is the ship that sails through this world. The Lord Himself steers the ship, and believers are its crew. The mast is a cross, evangelical faith as sails, and the Holy Spirit carries it. This is how the church sails to paradise and to the harbor of eternal life. God’s word as a compass, hope as an anchor, prayer as an anchor chain, and God’s faithfulness as a base to which the anchor clings.” (Church Father Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople in the fourth century).
God is often turned to in the moment of need, when one’s own means run out. Fortunately, you can pray for security and trust in the Heavenly Father every day, without greater distress. Personal faith in Jesus nourishes and guides us through life, be it calm, fair, or stormy weather.
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” (Psalm 107:28-30).
Blessed autumn and welcome to Emmaus!
Pastor Timo
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