They are the most powerful waterfalls in North America, and over 1 ½ million cubic feet of water go over them per minute. Niagara Falls is a favorite site for honeymooners as well as tourists.
On July 9, 1960, three young people decided to go boating. They packed a lunch, got in a little boat and drifted down the Niagara River. It was not uncommon for people to go boating, but you did not go very far down river and never near the falls.
They were not paying attention and drifted lazily and peacefully down the river, but then something began to change. The current began to pick up speed and there were waves. They rowed frantically trying to get to calmer waters but to no avail. The little boat capsized and all were thrown overboard.
The young girl managed to grab hold of a rock and was later rescued, and a nine-yearold boy went over the falls with nothing but a lifejacket and miracle of miracles, he survived. The young man who owned the boat drowned. That tragic story reminds me of something in the Bible.
Many people go through life lazily floating down the river of life and thinking everything is going to turn out wonderful. The Bible tells us to watch closely what we believe and how we live or we will end up shipwrecked.
1 Timothy 1:19 - ...holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,...
Hebrews 2:1, 2 - Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution,...
Jude 17-21 - But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
2 John 8, 9 - Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
See you in Church next Sunday.