MEMORIES OF GALILEE by Geo. A. Snyder

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 22, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 12.

MEMORIES OF GALILEE.

By Geo. A. Snyder

As we look upon the pictured scene of Tiberias, or Galilee, there rushes unbidden through the mind the words of the poet:—

"O Galilee, sweet Galilee, What memories rise at thought of thee! In mortal guise upon thy shore The Saviour trod, whom we adore."

Like a pure white lily in a hedge of thorns, emitting sweeter fragrance as the rough winds cause its snow-white petals to be torn by its cruel neighbors, our Saviour grew up near these shores, amid the ruder elements of society. So, on the shores of Time, true Christians, like a lighthouse on a rock-bound coast, hold forth the Word of life in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they shine as lights in the world. They simply hold forth the Word, and shine as they continually receive fresh supplies of the oil of the Spirit.

On the shores of Tiberias the compassionate Saviour looked upon a multitude of hungry people, who, in their anxiety to hear Him, had forgotten their own comfort and convenience, and followed Him into a wilderness. He fed them. So, dear reader, will He feed you. Only forget self in your anxiety to be with Jesus, even tho it be in a wilderness where you can see no earthly support, and the compassionate Saviour will never forget you. He is just the same to-day.

Jesus divided the meager store of provisions at hand among His disciples, and they in turn among the people. So when the disciples of to-day individually receive from Jesus even a meager portion, and individually carry it to hungry people, the multitude will be fed with the ever-increasing supply of spiritual and temporal food at His disposal.

On these storm-tossed waters the Master calmly slept, while the disciples, forgetful of His presence, in their efforts to save themselves, were battling against the elements. At last, in the agony of despair, they remembered that Jesus was on board, and cried: "Master, save us. We perish." He calmly rose, and by the gentle command, "Peace, be still," brought peace to distracted minds, stilled the tempest, and taught lessons for all time.

That gentle voice is still ringing out over the waters of strife, bringing pardon and peace to every sinner who earnestly cries out for deliverance. That word is still all-powerful and "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Receive it; believe it; and have peace with God.

While the good ship Zion is passing through the sea of tribulation, let us never forget in our efforts to save ourselves and others, that Jesus is on board, but ever remember that His presence is the only hope of salvation. "Be still, and know that I am God." If these commands were obeyed in all our Christian endeavors, there would be "a great calm," instead of a roar of unbelief, and the good ship would glide safely over the swell into the haven of rest.

O restless Sea of Galilee! We love to dwell In thought beside thy rolling tide, Whose waves still tell In rhythm sweet of Him whose feet Once trod thy swell. In thought we stand upon the sand Thy waters lave. The gentle thrill of, "Peace, be still," Which calmed thy wave, Has reached our hearts, and still imparts His power to save.