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Friday, January 21, 2011

That Old Ship of Zion

Some songs using the "ship of Zion" metaphor:

1. I was standing on the banks of the river
Looking out over life's troubled sea
When I saw the old ship that was sailing
Is that the old ship of Zion I see.
2. Its hull was bent and battered
From the storms of life I could see
Waves were rough but that old ship kept sailing
Is that the old ship of Zion I see,
3. At the stern of the ship stood the captain
I could hear as he called out my name
Get on board it's the old ship of Zion
It will never pass this way again
4. As I step on board I'll be leaving
All my sorrows and heartaches behind
I'll be safe with Jesus the captain
Sailing out on the old ship of Zion.


M. J. Cartwright, 1889
I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea,
And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be,
When away at my side, there I dimly descried,
A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
And loudly I cried: “Ship ahoy!”

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This ship has been on the tempestuous seas through many waves. Just as the battle-scarred soldier who will not waiver out of nothing more than will, so does this ship remain constant and firm. But as the soldier may ultimately succumb to the bombardment, this ship shall never. She may become rough hewn on the surface, but is of the purest gold on the inside.

As the ship knows its purpose, so should we also. Whether collectively or individually, we must remain firm in our resolve, and not waiver against the fear of setback. God has called out a people of a peculiar sort to go forth and do what is expedient. Shall we turn a deaf ear to that still small voice? God forbid.

Anonymous said...

We are certainly tossed on every side with treachery. All things being put in their rightful perspective, we are totally at the mercy of our Lord.

We must beg and plead for the safe keeping at the hands of God. These hands of men are weak and with much trembling. They may start an action, but fail to complete it. His hands are mightier than the most magnificant grandeur man can achieve. May we cry unto the Lord while our breath is with us.

Anonymous said...

The captain of this ship has a view far ahead,

With thoughts on the living and clear rememberances of the dead,

Being disdainful at times of the misfortunate deeds,

Yet ever-loving while remaining true to the creed.