According to Ishmael in the classic book Moby Dick by Herman Melville he is so aware and cognizant of the fact that his adventure on the high seas is not an accident of mere chance;but the unseen and powerful workings of fate and providential leading. Maybe Melville was a rigid determinist,or a believer in the idea that free will and determinism can coexist in harmony.I found it fascinating to see all of the references to determinism when it comes to the affairs of man that are underscored in the first chapter of Moby Dick.I will highlight a few passages. "This the invisible police officer of the fates who has the constant surveillance of me, secretly dogs me,influences me in some unaccountable way-he can better answer than anyone else.(Melville,31). "And, doubtless, my going on this whale voyage,formed part of the grand programme of Providence that was drawn up a long time ago"(Melville,31). Now when Melville speaks about fate through Ismmaels voyage on the high seas he chooses not to focus in upon a singular manner by word, the name of God, it is apparant that given the actual time of Melvilles life and culture being set in the mid 1700s and leading up to 1851 when Moby Dick was first published the language of the Bible was widely known. Again Melville speaks of determined fate as "Stage managers of the fates put me down in this shabby part of a whaling voyage" (Melville,31). Maybe your ready to hear about free will in this discussion. Ishmael speaks about the inducements of fate which led up to his voyage in the form of "circumstance,springs,motives,part,cajoling,even disguises,all the attending marvels of a thousand sights and sounds(Melville,32). It was Ishmael himself who had to choose and decide to respond to the leading and prompts of fate;and their in lies the aspect of free will amidst what would appear to be a backdrop of crude determinism and the life of the automoton. Ishmael did in fact set out on the journey of a lifetime on a great quest. In todays postmodern culture fate implies harsh control,yet it was good and in line with Ishmaels every wish. In much the same way sure, it can be difficult to surrender to Gods will,but maybe we would be better off if we accepted it as perfect and the best suitable means in which to live. Ishmael who recognized his limitations; embarked on the greatest adventure he would ever know.
I would submit to any reader that your destiny is calling out like the "grand programme of extensive performance" that surrounded Ishmaels life of adventure.Melville,31) The gospel of Jesus Christ is constantly being played out before your very eyes.Instead of an undefined element of fate it is the everlasting God seeking each and every one of us. It is exquisite and all around you like the arrangement of notes in a grand symphony. First of all God has given us the created order to testify to his goodness and power. The Bible is the most accurate book ever to be preserved. It is the accurately inspired word of God that maintains its inerrancy throughout the translation process and canonization. On the cross the love of God has been revealed in Jesus Christ the only begotten Son. Are you ready to tear another page from the book; and find out what the scriptures have to say about all of us? "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to give you a future and a hope. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart" (Jer 29:11-13). "Turn to me and be saved all the ends of the earth. For I am God and there is no other." "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,so the son of man must be lifted up on the cross,so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life."(John 3:15)
"Why was no one there when I came? Why was there no one to answer when I called"?(Isa 50:2) "Just like clay in the potters hand,so are you in my hand"Jer 18:6). "He humbled you by letting you go hungry:then He gave you manna to eat,which you and your fathers had not known,so that you might learn that man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD" (Deut 8:3). "Doesn't wisdom call out? Doesn't understanding make her voice heard" (Prv 8:1)."For a long time your ears have not been open"(Isa 48:8). "If anyone is thirsty,he should come to me and drink! The one who believes in me,as the scripture has said(Isa 55:1), will have streams of living water flow from deep within him"(Jn 7:37). I believe just as fate guided Ishmael on his fictional adventure on the sea God has provided "springs,circumstances,motives,parts,cajoling,even disguises of things" yet to be revealed through His word to guide our lives.
Moby Dick: Published by Barnes and Noble Books. 122 Fifth Avenue. New York,NY 10011
Holman Christian Standard Bible Publishers 127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee 37234.
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