koot van wyk (DLitt et Phil; ThD)

Kyungbook National University

Sangju Campus

South Korea

Conjoint lecturer of Avondale College

Australia

29th March 2010

One of the most difficult weeks for South Korea is March 26 through 29 and after. This is the time a navy ship had an explosion onboard and the ship broke in two and three hours later sunk. Many survived but 46 were trapped and went under in each sections that broke in two. First they could not find the pieces and the sea was rough and the water not clear. Then they found it and started moving down to the ship and knock on it. As I write these words, the projected time is running out for their oxygen capability there but they are trying to provide them 40 meters below with oxygen. It is in this context that the following song of Edward Hopper from the 1871 The Sailors Magazine makes more sense. The words is from Mark 4:39 where Jesus stood up and rebuke the sea and it became calm and still. Sovereign over the sea we all live in hope that the sailors may still be alive and rescued.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.

Chart and compass come from Thee;

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

While th’Apostles’ fragile bark

Struggled with the billows dark,

On the stormy Galilee,

Thou didst walk upon the sea;

And when they beheld Thy form,

Safe they glided through the storm.

Though the sea be smooth and bright,

Sparkling with the stars of night,

And my ship’s path be ablaze

With the light of halcyon days,

Still I know my need of Thee;

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When the darkling heavens frown,

And the wrathful winds come down,

And the fierce waves, tossed on high,

Lash themselves against the sky,

Jesus, Savior, pilot me,

Over life’s tempestuous sea.

As a mother stills her child,

Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boisterous waves obey Thy will,

When Thou sayest to them, “Be still!”

Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,

Then, while leaning on Thy breast,

May I hear Thee say to me,

“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/s/jspilotm.htm

The song is sang in the following two places:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-ThjCKwyIw&feature=related

good visual and beautiful sounds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO4FIMVjiXs&NR=1

by Tim Mair (good voice)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY38n9ediO4&feature=related

Dear God

Nature's power is too strong for humans

but more powerful than the sea

is Your ability to rescue.

Jesus Saviour pilot them

We all pray

In Jesus name

Amen