As details continue to emerge concerning the final expedition of OceanGate’s Titan submersible, most people continue to wonder about the psyche behind the human desire for exploration. However, the series of actions and probably inactions to satisfy this desire for exploration led to the demise of five people.
Some might call this unfortunate event an accident, and based on the details from further investigation, it might have been an accident that could have been easily prevented. But from a biblical perspective, this event can teach us lessons about the reality of life.
The Titan submersible’s doom: We are all at the mercy of God.
It’s hard to imagine how it feels to be hundreds or thousands of meters underwater. Pitch-black darkness and the pressure outside the Titan submersible multiplied to a hundred. All that separates you from your doom is a few inches of titanium and carbon fiber. Not to mention electrical malfunctions and a limited supply of oxygen.
Putting all of these together, the risk involved in this expedition increases exponentially. However, they were not at the mercy of technology, the steel encapsulating them, or even the ocean. They were at the mercy of God.
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lamentations 3:22
We may not be in a submersible underwater, but every day there are thousands of possibilities that can happen to us any second. We can be at work, school, on vacation, or simply chilling inside our homes. Anywhere or in every situation, accidents, illnesses, crimes, or natural disasters are waiting to happen. This means that we are all at the mercy of God.
As a human, we try to stay healthy, keep safe, and avoid danger. But as Christians, we must never forget that it is only by God’s mercy that we continue to exist on this planet.
The Titan submersible’s doom: Listen to good counsel.
James Cameron, a film director and submersible expert, gives similarities between the Titanic and OceanGate’s Titan. Both the Titanic and Titan’s captains neglected the advice of other people. As a result, both vessels are now lost at sea.
A report was handed to Captain Edward Smith, captain of the Titanic, before the ship left Southampton for its maiden voyage to New York on April 10, 1912, warning him of a mast of a submerged wreck in the Atlantic. He refused to change course, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people. According to reports, many submersible engineers and enthusiasts tried to warn Stockton Rush, the owner of Titan, about the safety and engineering process of Titan. However, he dismissed these concerns and continued to use Titan for deep-sea exploration.
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Proverbs 19:20
What happened to the Titanic and Titan could have been easily avoided if counsel wasn’t refused. In many ways, we end up in distressing situations because we refuse to listen to counsel from the Word of God and Godly people. We seem to think we can do it alone, but our pride destroys us in the end (Proverbs 16:18.)
The Titan submersible’s doom: The eternal destination of your soul must be your priority.
Those who were onboard the Titan were multi-millionaires and multi-billionaires. However, no amount of money can cancel or move your appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27.) More than that; your wealth can do nothing to influence the destination of your soul.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36
It’s not wrong to be wealthy; what’s wrong is to love money (1 Timothy 6:10.) Nowadays, most people prioritize money over everything else. They always think about accumulating cash but fail to recognize the importance of their soul. The Lord Jesus Christ tells us that a person can’t gain anything if he owns the whole world but proceeds to go to Hell.
This question from Christ shows us the difference between wealth and the soul. Christ shows us that wealth or money is temporary, while the soul is eternal. You can afford to lose your wealth, but you can never afford to lose your soul and go to Hell. Thus, we must have the proper priority.
The Titan submersible’s doom: People need to know the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
With the thousands, if not millions, of unfortunate events happening around the world, it is surprising that this event captured the attention of so many people. More than likely, it’s because of the media coverage that it received. Whatever the reason may be, there are worst tragedies that are happening around the world daily. And among those who perish, only a few know the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior.
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:10-12
Most people know the Lord Jesus Christ as a historical person or a great teacher, but most don’t know him as their savior. Consequently, many people die and go to Hell without hearing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, our job as Christians and church members is to preach the gospel to the next person lest they die without Christ.
