As I was teaching from the book of Acts a few weeks ago, the story of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27 caught my eye for meditation. There is a worldwide “shipwreck” that will eventually come on the earth, according to the Bible. It is interesting to see Paul’s actions as he was “in the same boat” with everyone else. We individually experience “shipwrecks” of many kinds, and these may continue in the future. Before the whole ordeal started, Paul saw the signs of the looming disaster and warned the centurion and pilot … in vain!
In Acts 27:9-11 we learn that, “Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.’ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship” (NASB).
Although Paul was an experienced traveller, there was no reason why the centurion, the pilot, or the owner of the ship would listen to him. Instead of taking his advice, they all decided to sail to Phoenix to winter the ship. Paul was not in a position to make his own choice. He was chained and destined to experience the future disaster due to the choices of others in command. In the same way, Christians across the ages have been riding the tides of world events caused by the choices of those around them.
When the storm did strike, the ship’s crew did all they could to stay in control of the situation … but it was no use. They passed ropes under the ship to secure it and they lowered anchors to try to slow the ship, but the storm was beyond their ability to control. There will be a time when no one will be able to stop the global storm of which the Bible speaks.
To save their lives the crew took more drastic measures, like throwing their precious cargo overboard and even throwing the ship’s tackle into the sea. Still trying to save their lives, they let go of their financial security. When all hope of being saved was lost, when they had done all they could, they realized they could not save themselves. Then, Paul spoke again and encouraged the men to have faith in God who could save them (verses 21-26).
When some men tried to escape with a lifeboat, Paul warned them that they could not be saved unless they stayed together. The centurion acted in accordance with what Paul said this time, and cut the lifeboats off, letting them drift away. Eventually, they even got to the point where they threw most of their food overboard, the little grain they had left for survival. The 276 people on board were now completely helpless and could only put their hope in Paul’s God. In the end, the sailors cut loose the anchors, untied the ropes that held the rudder, and allowed the ship to be carried away in the chaos of the storm.
Once they cut the lifeboats free, Paul gathered them together and urged them to eat. Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them. They were all encouraged and ate some food as well. “Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. ‘For the last fourteen days,’ he said, ‘you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food – you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.’ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves” (Acts 27:33-36).
There is little doubt that the coming year holds a lot of problems in store for a lot of people. I do not know whether we are heading towards the unavoidable, end-time “shipwreck” or not. Many individuals will certainly have their own “storm” to weather. What I do know is that Christians are supposed to warn people of the upcoming storm and live through that storm in peace because of their faith in God.
Paul warned them of all that was about to happen and, when it did happen, he advised them to trust in God. He showed them his peace and faith during an incredibly fearful time. We may be in the place called “Fair Havens,” but our world is heading out to a Godless sea, straight towards a disaster. Let us pray that we will be like Paul who, in the midst of the storm when all hope was lost, took bread and gave thanks to God in front of everyone and began to eat.
Thank you all for your much-needed prayer and financial help in our ministries. May God bless you and keep you in the upcoming year.
