The Storm (Part 3)

Acts 27:27-32

“27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were drifting across the sea of Adria, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took soundings and found twenty fathoms; a little farther on they took soundings again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 Fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 But when the sailors tried to escape from the ship and had lowered the boat into the sea, on the pretext of putting out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and set it adrift.”

Despite that Paul had told them they would survive the storm, the sailors tried to abandon ship and leave the soldiers, the cargo, and the prisoners (and Paul) to their fate.  Paul, seeing what they were up to, informed Julius, the centurion and he had the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boats on which they had planned their escape.

During the storm, Paul rose to the occasion, giving advice, encouragement, and information to the centurion, the guards, and the sailors.  In the storm, Paul was an example of Christ.  Even so, he was wise to the ways of men and he was not easily fooled by the sailors.

Christ told His disciples “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves”.

Being a follower of Christ means that we know Christ but we also know the world and the evil that can lurk in human hearts.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)