Mayday!

Joseph Herrin (05-01-2013)

Mayday: the international radiotelephone distress signal, used by ships and aircraft.
[Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mayday]

SS United States Berthed in Philadelphia
(Click on any image to view larger)

Some days ago a brother in Christ (thank you Darrell) sent me a link to an article that has very obvious prophetic implications. The article focused on the crisis facing the caretakers for the ocean liner pictured above. The SS United States is viewed by many as America’s flagship. This once grand ocean liner was built in 1952 at a princely sum for the period of $78 million dollars. In many ways this ship serves as a type, or symbol, of the nation whose name she bears.

The SS United States is 990 feet in length. For comparison, the HMS Titanic was 882 feet in length. One of the design goals of the shipbuilders was to make the SS United States fast. The Blue Riband is a maritime trophy awarded to the passenger liner with the fastest Atlantic crossing time. Of the 35 Atlantic liners to hold the Blue Riband, 25 of them have been British, and 5 German. The United States had only held the trophy twice prior to 1952 when the SS United States was built. Since the late 1930s the Atlantic crossing record was held by Great Britain’s HMS Queen Mary. In a parallel to Britain’s waning power, and America’s ascendancy, the SS United States smashed the record set by the Queen Mary, making the crossing from New York to England, while slicing more than ten hours off of the previous record.

The SS United State’s builders had chosen a hull design that was built for speed. They also utilized more aluminum in the construction of the ship than had been used in any other building construction on land or sea up until that time. By utilizing this lighter weight metal, many tons of weight were removed from the ship, allowing it to ride higher in the water and attain a greater speed. The ship also utilized the most powerful steam turbines to be found in any merchant marine vessel. She had four turbines that produced a combined 240,000 SHP (Shaft Horse Power). This gave the ship the greatest power to weight ratio of any passenger ship before, or since, her construction.

There is much in these details that parallel aspects of America as a nation. America is a superpower. The United States has ridden higher than any other nation on earth. She has used technological innovation to advance far beyond the scope of other nations. Even as America has remained ascendant over the nations since World War II, so too has the Blue Riband trophy remained with the SS United States. No other Atlantic liner has ever broken her crossing record.

The SS United States made the New York to England crossing in 3 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes. This gave her an average speed of 35.59 knots. This was a phenomenal pace. In miles per hour this would equate to 41 MPH. To push a vessel greater in length than three football fields through water at that speed is a phenomenal achievement.

           














SS United States in Her Glory Days

Even as the nation of America is an odd mixture of material opulence and military might, the SS United States offered both luxury, as well as being designed for rapid transformation into a military transport ship.

A Dining Hall on the SS United States

The U.S. government underwrote $50 million of the $78 million cost of construction for this ship, reserving the right to commandeer the ship in a time of war. In its heyday the ship transported the rich and famous. President John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dali, Prince Ranier of Monaco, and many others crossed the Atlantic on this vessel. Yet, its design was such that in a single day it could be converted from its normal passenger capacity of 2,000 to military use to transport 14,000 servicemen at a time.

The United States in the 20th century has been renowned the world over for her prosperity. She has been known as the land of opportunity where a man could change his fortunes quickly, arising from poverty and obscurity to fortune and fame at record speed. America has been viewed as the land where a Horatio Alger story could come true. At the same time, she has become famous for her ability to quickly transform into a military might whose power was awesome to behold. Admiral Yamamoto who led the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor gave voice to America’s ability to transform herself when he stated, “"I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."

Wikipedia provides the following information on the ship.

By the late 1960s, the market for Transatlantic travel by ship had dwindled. Queen Mary had been retired in 1967 and Queen Elizabeth in 1968. United States was no longer profitable. While United States was at Newport News for annual overhaul in 1969, the shipping line decided to withdraw her from service, docking the ship there. After a few years, the ship was relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. Subsequently, ownership passed between several companies. In 1978, the vessel was sold to private interests who hoped to revitalize the liner in a time share cruise ship format. Financing failed and the ship was put up for auction by MARAD. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was reportedly interested in purchasing the ship and converting her into a cruise ship for the Caribbean, but decided on purchasing the former SS France instead. During the 1980s, United States was considered by the US Navy as a troop ship or a hospital ship, to be called the USS United States, but this plan never materialized.

In 1984, the ship's remaining fittings and furniture were sold at auction in Norfolk. Some of the furniture was installed in Windmill Point, a restaurant in Nags Head, North Carolina. Following the closure of the restaurant in 2007, the items were donated to the Mariners' Museum and to Christopher Newport University, both in Newport News, Virginia.[21] One of the ship's propellers is mounted at the entrance to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. Another propeller is mounted on a platform near the waterfront at SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, New York. Across the Long Island Sound from SUNY Maritime College, a third propeller is mounted at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is used as a teaching aid for merchant mariners. The fourth propeller is mounted at the entrance of the Newport News Mariner's Museum. In 1992, a new consortium of owners purchased the vessel and had her towed to Turkey and then Ukraine, where she underwent asbestos removal in 1994. The interior of the ship was almost completely stripped during this time. No viable agreements were reached in the US for a reworking of the vessel, and in 1996 United States was towed to her current location at Pier 84 in South Philadelphia.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States]

Interior Decay of Ship

What a parallel we see in the stripping and gutting of this ship in recent decades. Even as America has shipped her once vaunted manufacturing industry overseas, so too did the SS United States have her massive engine and propellers removed. Even as the world’s greatest creditor nation has become history’s greatest debtor nation, so too do we see the stripping of all the signs of wealth and opulence from this once glorious ship. A ship that once possessed the world speed record had to be towed like a derelict barge to her present berth in Philadelphia where she has languished for nearly three decades, rusting away, and falling into a further state of decline.

Corridor Inside the SS United States

It seems part of the parable that this ship, bearing the name of the nation that was born in Philadelphia, should come to rest there. Philadelphia is itself a city in decline. Poverty and crime are rampant. The city’s infrastructure is falling into decay. A recent article online bears the following headline:

Philadelphia, 5th Largest City in US is Effectively Bankrupt; Mayor Holds Closed Meeting With Wall Street to Discuss Asset Sales
[Source: http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/04/philadelphia-5th-largest-city-in-us-is.html]

Reading the article above is sobering. Philadelphia, like the SS United States, is a symbol of the nation. The caretakers of the SS United States have been attempting to “re-purpose” her as a floating hotel/museum/restaurant/shopping/entertainment complex. The effort has been going on for years with no one willing to sign on to the massive financial obligation. America’s economy is in freefall. Unemployment is rampant. Record numbers are receiving government foodstamps, and other benefits to survive day to day. The nation is annually accruing trillions of dollars in additional debt. The wealth and prosperity of the nation are no more than a thin veneer tenuously attached to a rotting infrastructure.

The various articles discussing the dilemma of this ship, which needs $80,000 every month just to pay for her berth, and would require an estimated $150 million to $300 million to renovate, have read like apocalyptic headlines for the nation.

Sending Out an SOS. Historic Ship Struggles to Stay Afloat.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/2258850121001/sos-help-restore-americas-flagship

(I encourage you to watch the above video and note how the newsman repeatedly employs a double entendre to make it appear as if he is speaking about the nation, when he is speaking about the ship.)

Historic ship in Philly short on funds, time
http://news.yahoo.com/ap-historic-ship-philly-short-funds-time-064434914.html

Saving the SS United States
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57569752/saving-the-ss-united-states/

(The above link contains an excellent and insightful video.)

Rust in peace: SS United States faces the scrap heap
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2298708/Rust-peace-SS-United-States-faces-scrap-heap-unless-500-000-save-historic-trans-Atlantic-cruise-liner.html

On this May Day, those with ears to hear, and eyes to see, can discern the MAYDAY signal being sent out from the ship of state known as the United States. Even though the nation’s leaders deny, and obfuscate the truth in a manner similar to the captain of the ill fated Costa Concordia after it  struck an underwater reef, the ship is sinking. It will not stay afloat much longer.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

No Savior for the United States

Joseph Herrin (10-07-2015)

A brother in Christ (thank you Roger) alerted me to a recent news article about the SS United States, the once proud ocean liner that bears the name of the nation which boasts of being the world’s only remaining superpower. I have on a number of occasions written articles about this ship, for her history and current status serve as a remarkable parable of the nation whose name she bears. Following are a few excerpts from past articles.
---
Mayday! (Written May 1, 2013)
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/mayday.html

The SS United States is viewed by many as America’s flagship. This once grand ocean liner was built in 1952 at a princely sum for the period of $78 million dollars. In many ways this ship serves as a type, or symbol, of the nation whose name she bears.

The SS United States is 990 feet in length. For comparison, the HMS Titanic was 882 feet in length. One of the design goals of the shipbuilders was to make the SS United States fast. The Blue Riband is a maritime trophy awarded to the passenger liner with the fastest Atlantic crossing time. Of the 35 Atlantic liners to hold the Blue Riband, 25 of them have been British, and 5 German. The United States had only held the trophy twice prior to 1952 when the SS United States was built. Since the late 1930s the Atlantic crossing record was held by Great Britain’s HMS Queen Mary. In a parallel to Britain’s waning power, and America’s ascendancy, the SS United States smashed the record set by the Queen Mary, making the crossing from New York to England, while slicing more than ten hours off of the previous record...

By utilizing this lighter weight metal, many tons of weight were removed from the ship, allowing it to ride higher in the water and attain a greater speed. The ship also utilized the most powerful steam turbines to be found in any merchant marine vessel. She had four turbines that produced a combined 240,000 SHP (Shaft Horse Power). This gave the ship the greatest power to weight ratio of any passenger ship before, or since, her construction.

There is much in these details that parallel aspects of America as a nation. America is a superpower. The United States has ridden higher than any other nation on earth. She has used technological innovation to advance far beyond the scope of other nations. Even as America has remained ascendant over the nations since World War II, so too has the Blue Riband trophy remained with the SS United States. No other Atlantic liner has ever broken her crossing record...

SS United States - Former Glory

The U.S. government underwrote $50 million of the $78 million cost of construction for this ship, reserving the right to commandeer the ship in a time of war. In its heyday the ship transported the rich and famous. President John F. Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dali, Prince Ranier of Monaco, and many others crossed the Atlantic on this vessel. Yet, its design was such that in a single day it could be converted from its normal passenger capacity of 2,000 to military use to transport 14,000 servicemen at a time.

The United States in the 20th century has been renowned the world over for her prosperity. She has been known as the land of opportunity where a man could change his fortunes quickly, arising from poverty and obscurity to fortune and fame at record speed. America has been viewed as the land where a Horatio Alger story could come true. At the same time, she has become famous for her ability to quickly transform into a military might whose power was awesome to behold...

Wikipedia provides the following information on the ship.

By the late 1960s, the market for Transatlantic travel by ship had dwindled. Queen Mary had been retired in 1967 and Queen Elizabeth in 1968. United States was no longer profitable. While United States was at Newport News for annual overhaul in 1969, the shipping line decided to withdraw her from service, docking the ship there. After a few years, the ship was relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. Subsequently, ownership passed between several companies. In 1978, the vessel was sold to private interests who hoped to revitalize the liner in a time share cruise ship format. Financing failed and the ship was put up for auction by MARAD. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) was reportedly interested in purchasing the ship and converting her into a cruise ship for the Caribbean, but decided on purchasing the former SS France instead. During the 1980s, United States was considered by the US Navy as a troop ship or a hospital ship, to be called the USS United States, but this plan never materialized.

In 1984, the ship's remaining fittings and furniture were sold at auction in Norfolk. Some of the furniture was installed in Windmill Point, a restaurant in Nags Head, North Carolina. Following the closure of the restaurant in 2007, the items were donated to the Mariners' Museum and to Christopher Newport University, both in Newport News, Virginia.[21] One of the ship's propellers is mounted at the entrance to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. Another propeller is mounted on a platform near the waterfront at SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, New York. Across the Long Island Sound from SUNY Maritime College, a third propeller is mounted at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is used as a teaching aid for merchant mariners. The fourth propeller is mounted at the entrance of the Newport News Mariner's Museum. In 1992, a new consortium of owners purchased the vessel and had her towed to Turkey and then Ukraine, where she underwent asbestos removal in 1994. The interior of the ship was almost completely stripped during this time. No viable agreements were reached in the US for a reworking of the vessel, and in 1996 United States was towed to her current location at Pier 84 in South Philadelphia.
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States]

Interior Decay of Ship

What a parallel we see in the stripping and gutting of this ship in recent decades. Even as America has shipped her once vaunted manufacturing industry overseas, so too did the SS United States have her massive engine and propellers removed. Even as the world’s greatest creditor nation has become history’s greatest debtor nation, so too do we see the stripping of all the signs of wealth and opulence from this once glorious ship. A ship that once possessed the world speed record had to be towed like a derelict barge to her present berth in Philadelphia where she has languished, rusting away, and falling into a further state of decline.

Corridor Inside the SS United States

It seems part of the parable that this ship, bearing the name of the nation that was born in Philadelphia, should come to rest there. Philadelphia is itself a city in decline. Poverty and crime are rampant. The city’s infrastructure is falling into decay. A recent article online bears the following headline:

Philadelphia, 5th Largest City in US is Effectively Bankrupt; Mayor Holds Closed Meeting With Wall Street to Discuss Asset Sales
[Source: http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2013/04/philadelphia-5th-largest-city-in-us-is.html]
[End of Article]

Even as the city of Philadelphia, the location of the birth of the United States where her seminal documents were written,  has been selling off assets to stay afloat, so too has the SS United States been gutted of everything of value. She has been stripped bear, and her external visage belies a far worse internal state of affairs. For years now, a conservancy has struggled to keep the SS United States from experiencing the fate of many a once proud ship, being sold for scrap.

A year ago this week I posted another article that made reference to the SS United States.

Late Bloomers and the Fall of America
http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/late-bloomers-and-fall-of-america.html

The ship SS United States, which has been berthed in Philadelphia along the waterfront for the past 18 years (6+6+6) has reached a critical state. The Conservancy which has been seeking to find someone to restore the ship to its past glory are facing the prospect of having to sell her for scrap. The news article I read was based on a release posted to the website of the SS United States Conservancy that was dated September 24, 2014. It reads as follows.
---
SEPTEMBER 24 – MEDIA ADVISORY: SHORT ON TIME, FAMED SS UNITED STATES MAKES FINAL PUSH TO RETURN HOME TO NEW YORK

• Without Additional Charitable Support or Development Deal, A Decision To Scrap or Sell the Historic Vessel Must be Made at End of Month
• As Discussions with Developers andCity and State Officials Continue Conservancy Urgently Needs Additional Support
• 650,000 sq ft Mixed-Use Development and Museum Complex Would Create 2000 Jobs, Revitalize Manhattan or Brooklyn Waterfront

NEW YORK, NY — Time is nearly up to save America’s Flagship. With 2,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity hanging in the balance, America’s Flagship, the SS United States, is making her final push to return home to New York in time to avoid being sold for scrap. The SS United States Conservancy, the non-profit organization that owns the legendary 990-foot-long liner, has announced it will need to make a determination about the ship’s future by the end of this month unless resources are found in short order to help cover the vessel’s ongoing maintenance costs...

“We need someone with vision to step in and save the United States...”

The ship has faced its end several times before. Most recently in 2011, the SS United States was just days away from being scrapped when a major gift to the Conservancy helped the grassroots organization purchase the vessel. Gibbs and her team are working overtime to generate another 11th-hour save.
[Source: http://www.ssusc.org/ss-united-states-makes-final-push-to-return-home-to-new-york/]

The ship languished for years, and eventually began the process of being stripped. It was sent to Ukraine for asbestos removal, and at other locations it had all of its furnishings removed, as well as its huge turbine engines and its four massive propellers. The conservancy sold one of the propellers made of 61,000 pounds of expensive manganese-bronze to help pay her monthly fees.

Today the ship appears as a rusting hulk along the Philadelphia waterfront. It is a fitting parable of the moral, financial, political, and social condition of the nation whose government began in this same city.

SS United States

You may ask, “What was the verdict regarding the ship, since September 30th has now come and gone?” The conservancy posted the following E-mail Update.
---
September 30th Ship Status and Steps Away From a Key Goal

As previously reported, today was a key deadline for the SS United States. While negotiations are ongoing, we can report that today's developments were encouraging, and we'll be releasing further information in the days to come. 

The Conservancy remains cautiously optimistic about the ship's prospects as we head into October. Needless to say, we thank everyone for your patience and ongoing support while we continue to work through details.
---
Brothers and sisters, I believe what certain members of this Conservancy describe as cautious optimism is in fact nothing more than delusional hope. It is estimated by the Conservancy that it will take upwards of $300 million dollars to renovate the ship and convert it to usage as a museum/entertainment/restaurant/retail complex which they envision being located along the New York City waterfront. One article on the subject quoted a number of nay-sayers who are declaring that the Conservancy’s mission is doomed to fail.
---
"I think the conservancy has had its shot," said Irvin Richter, founder, chairman, and chief executive of Hill International, a global construction-consulting firm based in Marlton. "They haven't done anything with it..."

It seemed destined for scrap when its owner, Norwegian Cruise Line, offered it for sale in 2009. The conservancy was offered the first chance to buy but lacked the money.

The next year, a savior emerged: Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, now owner and publisher of The Inquirer, said he would donate up to $5.8 million to save the ship. The money allowed the conservancy to buy the vessel and keep it docked near Columbus Boulevard while redevelopment plans went forward.

Few doubt the conservancy has worked zealously - staging exhibits about the ship, publicizing its history, and raising money - or that those efforts might be for naught.

"I think they've done the best they can," Lenfest said. "It's a monumental task to raise that money to restore the vessel. They've tried with integrity, and they've tried very hard."

He said he did not plan to put more money into the project.

The conservancy said that it had considered sites in Philadelphia, Chester, Miami, Baltimore, and Boston, but that New York offered the best option for rebirth.

Henwood rejected that argument.

"It's not going to New York. It's not going to happen," said the head of Binnacle Group L.L.C. in Media. "New York is the most expensive, risky place in the world to do business."
[Source: http://articles.philly.com/2014-08-12/news/52692499_1_ss-united-states-conservancy-ship-conservancy-executive-director]

The language of these various articles lends itself readily to interpretation as a parable. There is great symbolism in speaking of the “rebirth” of the United States, and the statement “We need someone with vision to step in and save the United States.” Yet, even if a “savior” with “vision” does appear, the SS United States will not return to its former function or glory. It will be completely re-purposed. So too will America never return to her previous form of government, or once more be a nation that provided so much opportunity for men and women to strive for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” America’s future is both draconian and dystopian.

When I read the news article about this “deadline” for saving the SS United States I perceived that even now America is being weighed in the balance. Her fate is being discussed.
[End of Article Excerpts]

This article above which I posted a year ago segues perfectly into a phrase that has been on my heart. The statement “America is being weighed in the balance” contains a Biblical reference to the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. In one night, the great city of Babylon was breached. An enemy army entered the city and the ruling king Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, was slain. This pagan king had insulted the God of Israel by taking the holy vessels from the Temple of Solomon and using them to serve wine to his dinner guests. That night a hand appeared without a body, writing a message on the wall where all the dinner guests had gathered. The message said that Babylon and her king had been weighed in the balance and were found wanting.

An unusual “coincidence” is observed in the fact that what is sure to be the next blockbuster James Bond movie is to be released on November 6th, one month from now. The lead actor’s first name in the James Bond movie is Daniel Craig. Daniel, the same name as the prophet of Israel whose book provides the history of the fall of Babylon. The coincidences do not end there, however. The theme song for this installment of the James Bond franchise is titled Writing’s On the Wall.

https://youtu.be/8jzDnsjYv9A



The song contains the following lyrics.

I'm prepared for this
I never shoot to miss
But I feel like a storm is coming
If I'm gonna make it through the day
Then there's no more use in running
This is something I gotta face

A million shards of glass
That haunt me from my past
As the stars begin to gather
And the light begins to fade
When all hope begins to shatter
Know that I won't be afraid

How do I live? How do I breathe?
When you're not here I'm suffocating
I want to feel love, run through my blood
Tell me is this where I give it all up?
How do I live? How do I breathe?
When you're not here I'm suffocating
I want to feel love, run through my blood
Tell me is this where I give it all up?
For you I have to risk it all
Cause the writing's on the wall.

The song speaks of a storm coming. It is something that is unavoidable, so the speaker concludes there is no more running. He must face what is coming. He says, “When all hope begins to shatter, know that I won’t be afraid.” The song speaks of a time of hopelessness coming. As with Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, the writing is on the wall. The coming events are foretold and they are inevitable. Belshazzar, however, was far from fearless.

Daniel 5:6-7
Then the king's face grew pale, and his thoughts alarmed him; and his hip joints went slack, and his knees began knocking together.

The name of the movie is Spectre. The definition for the word “spectre” (American spelling is “specter”) is: something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence.

How does this tie in to the SS United States? Recent articles in the major media, and posts to the Conservancy’s website, have spoken of dire times for the SS United States.

The New York Times
October 7, 2015

Friends of the S.S. United States Send Out a Last S.O.S.

A Titanic-sized supership that once ferried presidents, Hollywood royalty, actual royalty and even the Mona Lisa has a place in the history books as the fastest oceanliner in the world. The owners are now racing to avoid having the ship, the S.S. United States, relegated to the junk heap.

A preservationist group, the S.S. United States Conservancy, saved the vessel from being scrapped a few years ago. Its members are working with a developer to give the mothballed vessel a new life as a stationary waterfront real-estate development in New York City, the ship’s home port in her heyday.

Their big dreams, however, now face a financial crisis: Short of money, the conservancy in recent days formally authorized a ship broker to explore the potential sale to a recycler. In other words, the preservationists might have to scrap their vessel.

It came down to hard numbers. The preservationists have struggled for years to raise the $60,000 a month it costs to dock and maintain the ship, known as the Big U, which is longer than three football fields and once sailed the Atlantic with three orchestras on board. A developer only recently started shaping plans to fill the ship with tenants, an undertaking of the kind that can stretch for years even when it is not this unusual....

The conservancy continues to seek out donors, investors or a buyer to preserve the ship and press forward with development. But unless something happens by Oct. 31, the group said in a statement, “We will have no choice but to negotiate the sale of the ship to a responsible recycler.”

The decision to seek bids from scrappers was “excruciating,” said Ms. Gibbs, particularly since the development plan emerged in the last year. “We’ve never been closer to saving the S.S. United States, and we’ve never been closer to losing her,” she said.

In recent days, as the board considered its dwindling finances, Hurricane Joaquin was threatening the East Coast, forcing the conservancy to take precautions to make sure their ship stayed safe. “A hurricane struck me as a perfect metaphor for what we were confronting,” Ms. Gibbs said.
[Source: http://nyti.ms/1ZdtrNA]

CBS Philly
October 7, 2015

S.S. United States – Docked In Philly — May Be Headed To Scrapheap

The group working to save the ocean liner — the S.S. United States — says without a buyer or development plan by the end of the month, it will have no choice but to sell the ship for scrap.

The S.S. United States Conservancy says it costs $60,000 a month to maintain the rusting hulk docked along Columbus Boulevard across from Ikea in South Philadelphia. Conservancy spokesman Tom Basile says the cash is running out:

“The financial burden of having to pay the $60,000 has just become unsustainable for the conservancy.”

The board, in a statement, says without a buyer or an infusion of cash by October 31, it will have no option but to sell the onetime world’s fastest ocean liner to a recycling firm.

Basile says talks continue to relocate the United States to one of two possible New York locations:
“Despite the progress on redevelopment negotiation, the timing of that additional financial support from our partners just may come too late.”

The Conservancy has scheduled an October 29th fundraiser at the Union League, in a last-ditch effort to keep its dream afloat.
[Source: http://cbsloc.al/1jO5Pia]

It is not difficult to discern a parable in these events. The words spoken about this great ship could equally be spoken of the nation that bears the same name. “A last-ditch effort to keep (the American) dream afloat.” “Their big dreams... now face a financial crisis.” “The financial burden... has just become unsustainable.” “We’ve never been closer to losing her (the United States).”“A hurricane struck me as a perfect metaphor for what we were confronting.”

Are these words mere hyperbole to encourage increased charitable giving at the upcoming fund-raising gala scheduled for the 29th of this month? No doubt there is an element of calculation in these articles being released at this time. Yet there is a definite progression of the urgency of the situation year over year. Never before have the leaders of the Conservancy voted to begin taking bids from recyclers to scrap the great ship. Such actions are not taken lightly, for it is costly to work up bids on such a large project as scrapping the SS United States. It would be fraudulent to solicit bids merely as a public relations’ ploy. There is a seriousness to what is being reported.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

Late Bloomers and the Fall of America

Joseph Herrin (10-05-2014)

Randy and Kathy Furman, disciples of Christ who dwell in the high desert of Arizona, shared a parable with me recently. Following is what they wrote.
---
Dear Joseph,

Randy and I were sitting outside this morning, having a cup of tea, and considering the new plants that had sprung up in several places around our yard. There are tomato plants, watermelon plants and a variety of squash plants. Randy refers to them as "volunteers." They just come up on their own.

Beautiful healthy young tomato plant with blossoms that hold a promise of fruit.

Watermelon plant with small yellow blossoms.

When Randy spoke of them this morning he said, rather wistfully, "but it's too late. The cold winter will kill them before they have a chance to bear fruit."

And then he compared them to believers who had waited too long before finally deciding to take root and grow in their relationship with Yahweh. The winter is fast approaching on all of us. We need to spend a lot of time in the Son, drinking in the water of His Word so that our roots will grow deep to anchor our souls to Him before the harsh winds blow. With the right protection, it is possible to extend our growing season long enough for a plant to bear fruit. Just so, those who take shelter in Him will find the nourishment they need to survive, blossom and fruit.

Be blessed, Brother.
Love, Randy and Kathy

When I read these words I was reminded of a news article I had come across just a short time before receiving this e-mail. The news article reported that the ship SS United States, which has been berthed in Philadelphia along the waterfront for the past 18 years (6+6+6) has reached a critical state. The Conservancy which has been seeking to find someone to restore the ship to its past glory are facing the prospect of having to sell her for scrap. The news article I read was based on a release posted to the website of the SS United States Conservancy that was dated September 24, 2014. It reads as follows.
---
SEPTEMBER 24 – MEDIA ADVISORY: SHORT ON TIME, FAMED SS UNITED STATES MAKES FINAL PUSH TO RETURN HOME TO NEW YORK

• Without Additional Charitable Support or Development Deal, A Decision To Scrap or Sell the Historic Vessel Must be Made at End of Month
• As Discussions with Developers andCity and State Officials Continue Conservancy Urgently Needs Additional Support
• 650,000 sq ft Mixed-Use Development and Museum Complex Would Create 2000 Jobs, Revitalize Manhattan or Brooklyn Waterfront

NEW YORK, NY — Time is nearly up to save America’s Flagship. With 2,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity hanging in the balance, America’s Flagship, the SS United States, is making her final push to return home to New York in time to avoid being sold for scrap. The SS United States Conservancy, the non-profit organization that owns the legendary 990-foot-long liner, has announced it will need to make a determination about the ship’s future by the end of this month unless resources are found in short order to help cover the vessel’s ongoing maintenance costs.

The Conservancy is urgently discussing with developers and city and state officials plans for transforming the world’s fastest ocean liner into an exciting hospitality, retail, event, restaurant, entertainment and museum complex. As was reported by the New York Times in July, potential sites for the ship are under consideration in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

But, it’s a tight timeline for the Conservancy, which has raised additional resources in recent months toward the ship’s upkeep and its curatorial programs. It must decide by the end of September whether to sell or scrap the historic ship, unless it has entered into a funded option with a developer or has attracted major new philanthropic support.

“We need someone with vision to step in and save the United States. We’ve made great strides in recent months, but what we need now is more time. This is an opportunity for a true hero to come forward and ensure the great potential of this project is realized. Discussions are underway with city and state officials to confirm that our plans meet regulatory guidelines and provide significant economic benefits, but the clock is ticking,” said the Conservancy’s Executive Director Susan Gibbs.

The ship has faced its end several times before. Most recently in 2011, the SS United States was just days away from being scrapped when a major gift to the Conservancy helped the grassroots organization purchase the vessel. Gibbs and her team are working overtime to generate another 11th-hour save.

The SS United States has long been a symbol of American power and innovation...

The Conservancy spends more than $60,000 per month to pay for the ship’s dockage, insurance and maintenance costs at her current pier in Philadelphia.
[Source: http://www.ssusc.org/ss-united-states-makes-final-push-to-return-home-to-new-york/]

Back in May of 2013 I posted an article on the prophetic significance of this once great ship. If you have not read the blog posting, I recommend it. You can find it at the link below.

http://parablesblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/mayday.html

This ship is a symbol of the United States. It is more than 100 feet longer than the Titanic. It was, and remains, the fastest ocean liner to ever sail. Its four massive turbine engines could push the 990 foot length of the SS United States at speeds as high as 38.32 knots (44 mph).

The ship’s construction was partially paid for by the U.S. Navy with the agreement that it would be converted to troop transport in time of need. With the ship’s high speeds it could outrun any submarine of its time. It was also reported to be able to withstand a torpedo strike. The ship was in service from 1952 through 1969 (again 18 years), and was never used for troop transport. With the advent of transatlantic airplane flights, ocean liners fell out of favor. The idea was floated (pun intended) to convert her to a cruise ship, but no company was willing to take on the steep financial obligation to do so. The ship languished for years, and eventually began the process of being stripped. It was sent to Ukraine for asbestos removal, and at other locations it had all of its furnishings removed, as well as its huge turbine engines and its four massive propellers. The conservancy sold one of the propellers made of 61,000 pounds of expensive manganese-bronze to help pay her monthly fees.

Today the ship appears as a rusting hulk along the Philadelphia waterfront. It is a fitting parable of the moral, financial, political, and social condition of the nation whose government began in this same city.

SS United States

This once proud ship, the fastest ocean liner to ever sail the seas, had to be towed to its location in Philadelphia. Like the aged documents establishing a new nation, originally written and signed in Philadelphia, both ship and documents have lost all of their original luster and power. The Constitution of the United States is regularly disregarded by the American government, its guarantees of freedom from government interference and oppression have been gutted. The documents of this nation are like the museum piece that this ship has become. They are something people discuss, but which no longer are able to accomplish the purpose for which they were created. Nor do the people of America have the will to preserve what once was the pride of their nation.

(Don’t misunderstand me. I am not writing as an advocate of American patriotism, or a champion of America’s founding fathers, the majority of whom were Freemasons and adherents of the Enlightenment dogmas. Please refer to the writing titled Dragon Flood for more on this subject. I am sharing this only to establish how fitting an emblem of the nation of America this ship is.)

You may ask, “What was the verdict regarding the ship, since September 30th has now come and gone?” The conservancy posted the following E-mail Update.
---
September 30th Ship Status and Steps Away From a Key Goal

As previously reported, today was a key deadline for the SS United States. While negotiations are ongoing, we can report that today's developments were encouraging, and we'll be releasing further information in the days to come. 

The Conservancy remains cautiously optimistic about the ship's prospects as we head into October. Needless to say, we thank everyone for your patience and ongoing support while we continue to work through details.
---
Brothers and sisters, I believe what certain members of this Conservancy describe as cautious optimism is in fact nothing more than delusional hope. It is estimated by the Conservancy that it will take upwards of $300 million dollars to renovate the ship and convert it to usage as a museum/entertainment/restaurant/retail complex which they envision being located along the New York City waterfront. One article on the subject quoted a number of nay-sayers who are declaring that the Conservancy’s mission is doomed to fail.
---
"I think the conservancy has had its shot," said Irvin Richter, founder, chairman, and chief executive of Hill International, a global construction-consulting firm based in Marlton. "They haven't done anything with it..."

It seemed destined for scrap when its owner, Norwegian Cruise Line, offered it for sale in 2009. The conservancy was offered the first chance to buy but lacked the money.

The next year, a savior emerged: Philadelphia philanthropist H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, now owner and publisher of The Inquirer, said he would donate up to $5.8 million to save the ship. The money allowed the conservancy to buy the vessel and keep it docked near Columbus Boulevard while redevelopment plans went forward.

Few doubt the conservancy has worked zealously - staging exhibits about the ship, publicizing its history, and raising money - or that those efforts might be for naught.

"I think they've done the best they can," Lenfest said. "It's a monumental task to raise that money to restore the vessel. They've tried with integrity, and they've tried very hard."

He said he did not plan to put more money into the project.

The conservancy said that it had considered sites in Philadelphia, Chester, Miami, Baltimore, and Boston, but that New York offered the best option for rebirth.

Henwood rejected that argument.

"It's not going to New York. It's not going to happen," said the head of Binnacle Group L.L.C. in Media. "New York is the most expensive, risky place in the world to do business."
[Source: http://articles.philly.com/2014-08-12/news/52692499_1_ss-united-states-conservancy-ship-conservancy-executive-director]

The language of these various articles lends itself readily to interpretation as a parable. There is great symbolism in speaking of the “rebirth” of the United States, and the statement “We need someone with vision to step in and save the United States.” Yet, even if a “savior” with “vision” does appear, the SS United States will not return to its former function or glory. It will be completely re-purposed. So too will America never return to her previous form of government, or once more be a nation that provided so much opportunity for men and women to strive for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” America’s future is both draconian and dystopian.

When I read the news article about this “deadline” for saving the SS United States I perceived that even now America is being weighed in the balance. Her fate is being discussed. Thus far a savior has not come forth. After years of effort, no one has deemed it to be a worthwhile effort to commit the huge sum of money needed to revive this decaying vessel. The handwriting is on the wall. Even as the Costa Concordia was recently towed to Greece to be scrapped, so too will the SS United States end up being broken apart and sold for a minute fraction of her original cost. All that was once valuable and precious in her has already been removed.

Returning to the parable observed by the Furmans, and understanding that America’s demise is not far off, it would be good for all who aspire to be disciples of Christ to consider whether they have been putting off for too long that spiritual and physical preparation necessary to bear fruit for the glory of Yawheh.

John 15:8
“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”

At this time I am finishing up a work of many years as I complete the installation of the solar auxiliary power system in my bus/motorhome. With this in place I will be able to live off grid. In one sense I see this as symbolic of becoming disentangled from the world. I will have less dependence upon, and less involvement with, this world’s system of commerce, finance, regulation, and control.

The Lord had me begin these preparations back in 2009 when I led to purchase the bus. Work intensified in the last quarter of 2010 when I converted the bus to a motorhome. I understand this is a physical work (carnal in that sense of being related to the natural realm), but the Father has been leading me since 1999 to make spiritual preparation as well. He has directed me to a Spirit-directed life of faith where I am guided and supported by that which cannot be seen.

The Father spoke to me in 2008 when I began the Parables Blog, informing me that He had called me to be a pioneer and forerunner that I might guide a much larger group of believers through similar experiences. With this in mind, I have shared publically about both my spiritual and physical life. I believe He has had me share regarding my own spiritual and physical preparations for years in order to set an example before other disciples of Christ, and to stir them up to yield themselves to God and seek to know His will for their lives.

I am confident that those who are early adopters of a life surrendered to the leading of the Spirit will be in the most favorable position to bear fruit unto God in this day and the days to come. Some will be hindered in bearing fruit because they waited long before they put roots downward and began to sprout upwards as they reached toward the light and life that flows from the heavens.

Isaiah 37:31-32
“And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion survivors.”

If you have been delaying, do so no longer.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

Addendum: Regarding the account of the Philadelphia philanthropist who gave a $5.8 million dollar gift to the Conservancy to rescue the ship from being scrapped in 2010, a possible interpretation is that the "Savior" has given the United States an additional four or five years to repent and make a new beginning. Five is the number of grace, and 8 represents new beginnings. However, no new beginning came forth in these added years and now the "Savior" says he will not give further to extend the time of final judgment for the United States.

Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

When Giants Fall

Joseph Herrin (01-25-2012)

Fallen Giant Sequoia

The preceding post on this blog titled The Mighty are Falling spoke of the judgment of God upon those considered giants in the earth. We live in an hour when many who are lofty will be abased. In this post, I want to focus specifically on nations of this earth that are vaunted above all others in this hour. I want to share what I am discerning the Spirit of Christ to be proclaiming.

Let me begin by providing an amazing connection to the economic collapse of America and Europe and the account of the two giant sequoias that fell last year in California. In the previous post I included a video of the collapsing trees. Incredibly, their fall was caught on video by a German tourist who was standing nearby at the precise time of the collapse.

As I was researching the former post, I was drawn to the name of the German citizen who filmed the trees falling. I at first misread his name, thinking it was “Panzer.” I began pondering whether there may be a link to the German Panzer divisions of World War II. Upon further investigation, I found that the gentleman’s last name was not “Panzer,” but “Panzner.” Gerrit Panzner was the man God chose to be standing at that precise location with camera in hand to record the event. This detail stuck in my mind, and it came back with great force when the Spirit led me to another connection to this surname.

Michael Panzner wrote the book Financial Armageddon in 2007. This book predicted a global financial collapse in the following two years. This collapse was borne out as Wall Street was rocked by the implosion of the real estate bubble. The ripple effect has been devastating as banks, insurers, mortgage underwriters and a host of other industries have teetered on the verge of collapse. The complete collapse of the American and European financial systems were postponed through the immediate injection of trillions of dollars by the Federal Reserve and other central banks. This intervention, however, has only made matters worse, for America and Europe are now being pulled inexorably downward by a crushing burden of debt.

In 2009, Michael Panzner wrote another book. This latter book was titled When Giants Fall: An Economic Roadmap for the End of the American Era. When I read the title of this book, and perceived that the man who caught the sequoias falling bore the same last name as the author, I sensed that the Father was linking these two events together.

Although some reports speak of only one giant sequoia falling on the Trail of 100 Giants, there were actually two trees that fell at the same time. These trees were intertwined at the roots. Sequoias have vast, but very shallow root systems, which is quite remarkable for such massive living things. Does this not speak of the nations who also have shallow roots?

Mark 4:16-17
"In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.”

Sequoias are found in a very limited area. They typically grow in groves. They stand by intertwining their roots with one another, thereby lending support to the trees nearby. This interrelationship has another effect, however. When one tree falls, it can easily cause other trees to fall who have become entangled with it. This is what occurred when the two giant sequoias fell on the Trail of 100 Giants a few months back.

As was mentioned in the recent blogs on the Costa Concordia disaster, the parent company Carnival Cruise Lines is an American and British corporation. Even so, America and Europe are greatly tied together politically, militarily, culturally, and financially. When one falls, the other cannot avoid being dragged down with it.

On his blog, Michael Panzner describes "an economy teetering on the edge of disaster."In a January 11 email, he said: "The fundamental outlook is even worse now than it was a few weeks ago, given (the lack of positive) developments in Europe and growing evidence that the economies of major countries around the world are deteriorating fast."
[Source: http://www.financialarmageddon.com]

As mentioned in the previous post, the Los Angeles Times spread the news of the fallen sequoias to the world when they posted an article on October 29th, 2011. See link below:

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/29/local/la-me-fallen-sequoia-20111029

It was in October of 1929 that the American Stock Market collapsed, leading into a period of tremendous poverty and hardship known as “The Great Depression.” October 29th, 1929 became known as “Black Tuesday” as there was a tremendous sell-off on Wall Street. The volume of shares passing hands on that date was not to be equaled for another forty years.

It is my belief that the Spirit of God is giving signs in the earth of those things which are near at hand. He would have those with understanding to prepare their hearts to endure the great hardships that are coming swiftly. Satan, on the other hand, has his own ambassadors who are seeking to lull the people into a state of lethargy and complacency. The message presented by American President Barack Hussein Obama in his annual State of the Union address last night could be summed up as the following:

No cause for alarm folks. We are going to right this sinking ship. We are working hard to get everything back on an even keel. There is no reason to abandon ship. Go back to your cabins and rest assured that we will have your best interests at heart. We will keep you all safe.

The following image of the Costa Concordia, listing after it struck underwater rocks, is a fitting metaphor for America and Europe at this hour.

Costa Concordia Listing

Although the ship was mortally wounded at this point, taking on water from a deep rent in her hull, she was still mostly above water. She was leaning, but had not yet rolled over on her side. You can see that all of the lifeboats are still hanging from the ship. No one had been urged to abandon ship yet. No cry of alarm had gone out.

This is a fitting parable for where we are at this moment. The captain of the good ship America is on the phone with his masters, that wealthy and powerful cabal of international bankers and industrialists who are working to bring forth a new world order. The citizens of the nations, like the passengers on this doomed cruise ship, are being urged to “stay on board,” to trust those who are driving things to their ultimate goal. The ship, however, is dead in the water. It is not going anywhere.

One might wonder why the vast majority of people in America and Europe are so calm. Why do they not see the peril before them? Too many have placed their faith in the crew manning the ship. Some still believe that merely changing captains will stave off disaster and keep the ship afloat. Their hope is in the next election. They are unwilling, or unable, to grasp the fact that the damage has already been done. In the past 4 years America’s declared government debt has increased by 50% from 10 trillion dollars, to more than 15 trillion dollars. She is steadily being pulled under by the enormous and irresistible drag of this great burden. Quicker and quicker now, America and Europe are succumbing to the forces that will surely swamp them.

This is not what was proclaimed in the State of the Union address last night. The goal of America’s masters is to keep everyone calm and inactive, placated by lies and deception, as long as possible. The captain of the Concordia spoke to the passengers several times after striking a reef, seeking to assure them that they had experienced only a “technical problem” and all would be okay.

Alarmed by the growing tilt of the ship, and the inaction of the captain, passengers onboard began calling land based authorities to report a serious problem. The coast guard in turn contacted the captain of the ship four different times in the hour after the ship struck the rocks to ask if there was a problem. Each time he assured them there was only a minor technical problem, telling them the ship was fine and they needed no assistance. It was passengers and some minor crew members who finally began launching life boats. The captain issued the command to abandon ship only after the passengers and crew had already begun to do so.

Soon America and Europe will have fallen over like the ship in the image above. They are headed in this direction at this very moment.

It was the Greek philosopher Plato who coined the term “ship of state.” In book VI of Plato’s Republic he likened the governance of a city-state to the command of a naval vessel. Plato argued that the only men fit to captain the governments of men were benevolent and wise men who had absolute power to steer the nations. Sadly, such benevolent, selfless, and wise men are not to be found among the rulers of the nations at this hour. Such a ruler will not be known until the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and Christ.

Leonard Cohen's song Democracy contains the line "Sail on. Sail on, o mighty ship of state. To the shores of need, past the reefs of greed, through the squalls of hate." The Costa Concordia is a symbol of the nations. It was not sailing to “the shores of need.” It was a floating pleasure palace, created to satiate the selfish and excessive appetites of carnal men and women. It struck a reef as surely as America and Europe have wounded themselves on the reefs of greed.

Following is an excerpt from an Internet website.

Warning Signs That We Should Prepare For The Worst
Thursday, January 19, 2012

The warning signs are all around us.  All we have to do is open up our eyes and look at them.  Almost every single day there are more prominent voices in the financial world telling us that a massive economic crisis is coming and that we need to prepare for the worst.  On Wednesday, it was the World Bank itself that issued a very chilling warning.  In an absolutely startling report, the World Bank revised GDP growth estimates for 2012 downward very sharply, warned that Europe could be on the verge of a devastating financial crisis, and declared that the rest of the world better “prepare for the worst...”


When this crisis is over, all sorts of people are going to be running around claiming that they predicted it.  But it does not take a genius to see what is coming. All you have to do is open up your eyes and look at the flashing red warning signs...


Pessimism regarding Greece is at an all-time high. Michael Fuchs, the deputy leader of Angela Merkel’s political party, recently made the following statement….


    “I don’t think that Greece, in its current condition, can be saved.”


But of course Greece is not the only declining economy in Europe by a long shot.


Italy has a much larger economy, and if Italy totally collapses it will be an absolute nightmare for the entire globe.


Right now, the Bank of Italy is forecasting a significant recession for the Italian economy in 2012.  The following is from a statement that Bank of Italy has just released….


    “The uncertainty that surrounds the medium-term perspectives of the Italian economy… are extraordinarily high and are directly linked to the evolution of the eurozone debt crisis...”


Originally it was hoped that the economic problems in Europe could be contained to just a few countries. But now it has become clear that is just not going to happen...


So will all of this economic trouble eventually spread to the United States?


Of course it will.


The global economy is more interconnected today than ever. Back in 2008 the financial crisis that started on Wall Street ended up devastating economies all over the planet.  The same thing will happen during this next great financial crisis.


Only this time the U.S. is in a much weaker position.  The U.S. debt problem has gotten much worse since the last crisis.
[Source: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/warning-signs-that-we-should-prepare-for-the-worst]

Interestingly, the banner for the website that the article above was taken from contains the following image:

The Economic Collapse Blog

I have no personal agenda in sharing these things. I am not an advocate of political resistance. I am no “tea party” revolutionist. I am a son of God, a citizen of a kingdom that is not of this world. As a teacher and watchman I share that which I see through spiritual eyes.

God is not giving forth these signs of what is at hand in order to drive His sons and daughters to some carnal response. He would not have His children hide themselves away with a great store of goods in some remote and unpopulated region. The will of God, as always, is that His sons and daughters be led of His Spirit in all that they do.

Romans 8:14
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

For years now I have been proclaiming a message of being led by the Spirit, of taking up the cross and sharing in the sufferings of Christ. There will be suffering ahead for all mankind. God will not spare His own from suffering, for it is through many afflictions that we must enter the kingdom of God. A few years back when Yahweh first began sending me across the nation to share with His people, He gave me the following verse as a theme:

Acts 14:22
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying,"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

My life the past twelve years has been one of many adversities. Yahweh has greatly molded me as a son in the past decade and more. There is less of me and more of Christ, but the job is far from complete. Now the Father is indicating that a time is at hand for many more of His sons and daughters to walk through wilderness places, and to traverse an afflicted path. Endurance, patience, and faith will be required of all who would survive spiritually the days ahead.

I have shared previously that vehicles often symbolize ministry. (Barack Obama rides in a black limousine that the Secret Service has nicknamed “The Beast.”) Yahweh provided a bus for me a couple years ago. It is stamped with the manufacturer’s name and location. It says “Body by Carpenter.” There is a parable in this detail. The bus had been last used for an entertainment platform as some men were taking it to NASCAR races for week-ends of drinking and coarse speech and entertainment. My heavenly Father instructed me to re-fashion the bus into a fit habitation. It is now a place where I conduct ministry and where I live.

The bus is forty years old, having been manufactured in 1972. Forty is a number related to trials and testing, and it is associated with wilderness journeys. I believe the time is at hand for many of Yahweh’s sons and daughters to embark upon wilderness experiences. The abundance of Egypt will no longer be found. Yahweh will try His people with hunger and thirst (Deuteronomy 8:3). They will be led to face enemies, and perils, yet the greatest danger will always be from within. Unbelief, fear, and fleshly passions that wage war with the Spirit will have to be conquered.

Dark days are near at hand, yet there will also be great grace given to those whose hearts trust in God. Yahweh has not given me any time-line of events. I cannot say with assurance when America and Europe will fall, but I do not look for it to be far off. The ships of state are already listing precariously. It is a time for all God’s children to put away the baubles and entertainments and vanity of the world and to seek Him diligently. As the prophet Zechariah counseled the nations, so too do I counsel you:

Zephaniah 2:3
Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger.



Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063

The Costa Concordia Disaster, and Other News

Joseph Herrin (1-17-2012)

Consta Concordia (lifeboats in foreground)

I have been following the story of the wreck of the cruise ship Costa Concordia for a few days. I am convinced that there is a parable contained in this catastrophe. The details surrounding this ship and its sinking are pregnant with significance.

The Costa Concordia is one of the largest passenger ships to ever sink, being 21 meters (68 feet, 11 inches) longer than the Titanic. The boat is relatively new, having been christened and taken its inaugural voyage in July of 2006. An ill omen was observed by maritime professionals as the champagne bottle used to christen the ship did not break when it was struck against the ship. Sailors have long considered this to be a harbinger of an ill-fated vessel.

The Costa Concordia’s parent company is Carnival Cruise Lines, which is a British and American corporation. The word “carnival” means “flesh raising.” Carnival’s ships are renowned for their appeal to the fleshly passions of man. Free twenty-four hour a day buffets, fine dining restaurants, on ship stores selling luxury goods, Las Vegas style entertainment, casinos, discotheques, movie theaters, spas, and many more pleasures and entertainments are offered to appeal to the sensual nature of man. Carnival truly offers a “flesh raising” experience.

The ship was named “Concordia” to express the wish for "continuing harmony, unity, and peace between European nations."
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Concordia]

The sinking of the ship coincides with the most serious crisis the European Union has faced. A number of countries in the union are laboring under crushing debt loads. Nations with a stronger financial position are expected to bail out their troubled partners. Germany is by far the strongest nation economically in the European Union, but her citizens resent having the wealth of their nation used to shore up a profligate lifestyle among nations that did not execute a sound fiscal policy.

The stronger financial nations are seeking to enforce austerity measures upon those nations that need bailouts, but these austerity measures are odious to the citizens of the troubled countries. Greece, in particular, is in perilous financial shape, and could default on its debt in a few months if a concord is not reached with the other member states of the European Union. Greece, however, is just the tip of the iceberg, for Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, and other member states of the European Union are not far behind Greece, and may soon require saving as well.

The image of an iceberg seems appropriate. The moments after the Concordia struck the reef have been described by passengers as reminiscent of the sinking of the HMS Titanic which had a very similar gouge rent into her hull by an iceberg. The Titanic sank 100 years ago, in 1912, a fact which has been mentioned often in the media. To be more precise, the Titanic sank 99 years and 9 months prior to the Concordia. In the UK, the number 999 is the emergency telephone number, equivalent to the number 911 in America. The number 9 in Scripture is related to finality and judgment. E.W. Bullinger, in his book Number in Scripture, states the following:

It is the last of the digits, and thus marks the end; and is significant of the conclusion of a matter.


It is akin to the number six, six being the sum of its factors (3x3=9, and 3+3=6), and is thus significant of the end of man, and the summation of all man's works. Nine is, therefore, THE NUMBER OF FINALITY OR JUDGMENT...
[Source: http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/nine.htm]

While I am on the subject of numbers, the Concordia ran aground on January 13th. The number 13 also is of great significance in Scripture. Following is an excerpt from Bullinger’s work.

As to the significance of thirteen, all are aware that it has come down to us as a number of ill-omen. Many superstitions cluster around it, and various explanations are current concerning them.


Unfortunately, those who go backwards to find a reason seldom go back far enough. The popular explanations do not, so far as we are aware, go further back than the Apostles. But we must go back to the first occurrence of the number thirteen in order to discover the key to its significance. It occurs first in Gen 14:4, where we read "Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and the thirteenth year they REBELLED."


Hence every occurrence of the number thirteen, and likewise of every multiple of it, stamps that with which it stands in connection with rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, revolution, or some kindred idea.
[Source: http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/eight.htm#205]

When one views the testimony of these numbers, relating them back to the intended meaning of the ship’s name, the message that comes forth is that “the harmony, unity, and peace” between European nations is about to come to a sudden and ignominious end. The festive party atmosphere will suddenly give way to panic. Some unseen hazard will doom the concord that exists among nations, leading to a time of “rebellion, apostasy, defection, corruption, disintegration, and revolution.”

In Roman mythology, Concordia is “the goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony.”
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_%28mythology%29]

Image of Goddess Concordia on Roman Coin

“In art, Concordia was depicted sitting, wearing a long cloak and holding onto a patera (sacrificial bowl), a cornucopia (symbol of prosperity), or a caduceus (symbol of peace). She was often shown in between two other figures, such as standing between two members of the Royal House shaking hands.”
[Wikipedia]

Artists depicted Concordia between two members of the Royal House as a testimony of her role in producing harmony among political and national rulers. What then is signified when a ship bearing her name, filled with passengers from many nations, strikes a rock and quickly sinks? One need not be a prophet to understand the message.

I believe it is significant that Concordia’s image was put on coinage of the Roman Empire. The European Union has been described by some as a re-birth of the Roman Empire. Achieving financial unity was one of the chief aims of the European Union. Yet it is issues of money that have plagued the union. England has refused to adopt the Euro for its currency, as have nine other nations that are EU members. Financial issues are a leading source of contention among member nations.

The message is that Concordia has failed. The nations she sought to join in peaceful union as they all pursued common goals of prosperity and security, will fracture as none are willing to make the sacrifices needed to maintain the union. Many have been prophesying that 2012 will be a year of great shaking among the nations. This sign upon the earth would seem to give credence to the thought that tremendous disruptions are near at hand.

More could be written about the role of the captain of the ship in this catastrophe, and how his failings relate to the missteps of government leaders among the nations. It is reported that he departed from the specified cruise course and steered too close to Giglio Island. He was further reported to have immediately been in denial of the seriousness of the damage to the ship, and he waited too long to get all of the lifeboats launched and the passengers and crew disembarked.

Perhaps, more damning, is the fact that the captain left the ship before everyone had been evacuated, and when asked by an Italian Coast Guard official to return to the ship to oversee the evacuation, he refused to do so. We will surely see parallels to this behavior in days ahead as government leaders seek to save their own necks while abandoning those they were elected to serve and protect.

Catastrophic Uncontained Engine Failure

Canada National 2699

This next news item has received almost no press. I was made aware of it by a brother who wrote to share it with me (Thanks Darrell). It too has some significant elements in it. Following is the story.

This is Canadian National locomotive number 2699. It is a 212 ton machine powered by a 183 liter, 4400 hp V16 4 stroke diesel


Shortly before this picture was taken, while working under load, 2699 experienced what is known in the trade as a "catastrophic uncontained engine failure." The train was passing the town of Independence, LA, at the time.


The first picture below shows that the engine exploded and one of the 16 cylinder-packs that form the engine was ejected through the engine bay body side and thrown clear of the locomotive.

In addition to this the piston from that cylinder was thrown free by the force of the failure. It was ejected so violently that it traveled through the air and crashed through the roof of a nearby home where it imbedded itself in an interior wall.

[Source: http://www.youknowfunny.com/2011/02/thrown-piston.html]

I shared the following with Darrell.

Viewing this event as a parable, some of the following things stand out.

The train number: (2 - witness, 6 - flesh man, 9 - judgment, 9 - judgment)

E.W. Bullinger writes the following regarding the number 9.

It is the last of the digits, and thus marks the end; and is significant of the conclusion of a matter.

It is akin to the number six, six being the sum of its factors (3x3=9, and 3+3=6), and is thus significant of the end of man, and the summation of all man's works. Nine is, therefore, THE NUMBER OF FINALITY OR JUDGMENT...
[Source: http://philologos.org/__eb-nis/nine.htm]

That the number is repeated twice would indicate the same thing as the repetition of Pharaoh's dream.

Genesis 41:32
"Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about."

The city location: Independence  - could speak of an end of independence, or Yahweh's judgment on an unlawful use of independence.

The state location: Louisiana - Even as the train is Canadian, and Canada is a mixture of French and English, so too is Louisiana. No other state in the U.S. is noted for its French influence as Louisiana is. At present, France and the U.S. are yoked together (perhaps it could be likened to train cars) in an unusual alliance of military, political, and economic cooperation. This was shown clearly in the recent overthrow of Libya.

The event: The failure of the engine was "catastrophic" and sudden, occurring without warning and being unexpected. It was also described as "uncontained" which would indicate that man cannot control it or mitigate the damage. The piston affected things which are unrelated to the train. It did damage to a home, perhaps indicating that what occurs will truly "strike" home, "impacting" people where they live.

Engine stats: One of the numbers that stood out to me regarding the engine is that it is a 4400 horsepower locomotive. The number four denotes humility, and the number 44 is (22 x 2), signifying a double portion of flesh cutting. When a number is raised to the level of the hundreds, it speaks of the nations. 4400 would therefore be a testimony of a double portion of judgment coming to the nations.

Comet Lovejoy

I would end this post by making mention of the recent heavenly sign observed in Comet Lovejoy. If you missed the post on this subject, you can find it here:

Comet Lovejoy Blog

I believe this celestial sign indicates that some fiery times are at hand for the nations. A “decapitated remnant” will be brought through these experiences, surviving when no one expected them to do so. Another brother in Christ sent me a link to a video posted on the Fox News website that provides some interesting details of this heavenly sign.



May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
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