DEVOTION / An unlikely rescue

When an iceberg ripped a hole in the side of the Titanic, Charles Joughin calmly embraced his death.

Unlikely heroism

Joughin was the chief baker on the ship. As lifeboats were readied to rescue passengers, he instructed his staff of 13 to load provisions onto the boats. He helped passengers onto the boat he was responsible for. Then, rather than saving himself, he gave his place to another passenger.

Next, he made his way to his cabin for (in his words) "a drop of liqueur." In truth, he drank much more whiskey than a drop. Filled with liquid courage, he returned topside just as the ship lurched, turned, and headed for the ocean floor. He made his way to the railing, climbed to its seaside, and stayed with the ship as it went down. According to accounts, Joughin was the last survivor to leave the Titanic.

Unlikely survival

Joughin was in the icy North Atlantic waters for about two hours. Around him in the water, passengers succumbed to the cold and drowned. But Joughin continued to paddle and tread water. Eventually, he made his way to a lifeboat and, later, he was rescued by the RMS Carpathia. His only physical trauma from his time in the ocean: swollen feet.

Why did he survive the icy waters while others died? What made the difference? Probably, in large part, the alcohol anti-freeze he had imbibed before plunging into the Atlantic.

Unlikely Savior

You will have to excuse for me comparing Jesus to alcohol, but isn't that what Jesus does to rescue us from death's icy waters? Jesus is our anti-freeze. Filled with the unquenchable warmth of his love, we Christians are equipped to survive death and to be welcomed to safety on heaven's shore. His death and resurrection in our place guarantee death cannot take our lives. They assure rescue and welcome at heaven's doors.

Cheers!

He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, and it has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:9-11, EHV).