| 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!” ’Twas the “old ship of Zion,” thus sailing along, All aboard her seemed joyous, I heard their sweet song; And the Captain’s kind ear, ever ready to hear, Caught my wail of distress, as I cried out in fear: “Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!” As I cried out in fear: “Ship ahoy!” The good Captain commanded a boat to be low’red, And with tender compassion He took me on board; And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away In the blood of my Savior, and now I can say: “Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!” From my soul I can say: “Bless the Lord!” O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave, The strong arm of our Captain is mighty to save; Then trust Him today, no longer delay, Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way: “Jesus saves! Jesus saves!” Shout and sing on your way: “Jesus saves!” |
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| OLD SHIP OF ZION |
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| (This is the song that Murray sang at Bob Jones' University's Institute of Christian Service. It won him the position as Song Leader of the Institute back in 1973-1974. He 'owned' this song, singing it more slowly, and dramatically He didn't need a microphone to be heard as he bellowed out "Ship Ahoy!" - "Bless the Lord" - and "Jesus Saves". These words still echo down the corridors of my mind, and I can still see my young hero standing there singing this song with his whole spirit, soul and body. He put his very heart into each word. How I miss that singing. In church, there is an empty seat beside me. I reach for the songbook, and there is noone to hold the other side. The minister speaks, and I turn to smile acknowledgment, but he is not there, physically, to share the moment. Surely Murray is off to more celestial realms singing words unspeakable, and full of glory! Cherish each moment with those you love, notice the little things and etch them on your hearts. Above all, seek first the Kingdom of God within -the Great Comforter, wherein lies solace in those times of sorrow.) |
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