I cannot forget the little note I read many years ago on board the good ship “Tui” in Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. It said that the diver called Mr Harper lost his life diving for treasures off the Three Kings Islands in the north of New Zealand.

Kelly Tarlton’s “Tui” is a museum of shipwrecks and treasures salvaged from shipwrecks are there displayed for tourists and anybody who wants to see them. Aboard the tall ship at Waitangi is also a cafe and restaurant called the “Wheelhouse”.

The steamer, “Elingamite” ( 2585 tons) was lost off the Three Kings Islands in November of 1902. The treasures salvaged from the “Elingamite”are also displayed there. But diver, E. J. Harper, died on January 23rd 1907, after diving for coins. He began to have “deep water pains” and after the third dive on that day he complained about chest pains and collapsed and died. He gave his life for the sake of earthly treasures. What a tragedy.

His life reminds us first of all of the brevity and uncertainty of this life. The Bible tells us plainly that ” it is appointed unto man once to die and after that judgment”. We are also reminded that earthly riches will not prepare us for eternity. Jesus himself asked the question,” What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). The death of Mr Harper brings to mind another death- that of the Lord Jesus Christ. His death was so different. He did not die for earthly treasures that will soon pass away. He died for you and me. By his death he paid the penalty for our sins which separate us from God. By his resurrection He lives to be our Saviour.Through accepting Him into our lives we can be prepared for death and eternity.

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ I ask myself the question, ” How am I using my life?” Am using it for His eternal purposes? Am I obedient to His commands as found in the Bible? Am I willing to pour out my life for other people? How far am I willing to dive down for eternal treasures- precious lost souls? Obeying God and allowing his love to control us may lead us to places that we find uncomfortable and where we do not want to go.

May the Lord help us to do what he wants us to do and to go where he wants us to go. Some Christians have given their lives for Him. They will be rewarded with eternal treasures in Heaven. How “deep” are we willing to go?

wd