From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” – Matthew 4:17

 “Turn back! Thar be storms brewing, trouble ahead.” This be the first words of Jesus to tha crew.

Not, “fair winds and following seas.” Not, “Godspeed.”

Instead he warns that the king who rules the wind and stars, storms and seas, be near—perhaps jest below the horizon. 

“Come about,” says he. “Alter course and make fer the isle where there be a king’s treasure fer all who make port.”

Will ya do as ordered, mate? Or will ya keep sailing away from tha Son and inter darkness. It be yer call. Yer on the helm. An’ tha crew and cargo and all them back in port waiting fer ya, ‘as a stake in tha course ya lay.