“When neither sun nor stars appeared for may days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” (Acts 27:20 NIV)
Apostle Paul and the writer (historically assumed to be Luke) had been en route to Caesar and unnecessary trial. Agrippa had said as much in Acts 26:32. But Paul had a one track mind and he had fixated on presenting the case for Christ to Caesar, the highest office on earth. It seemed that the very forces of hell came against them, though. The watery journey was slow and arduous. Winter was coming and the time for crossing the great sea in a small vessel was closing.
A gentle south wind had picked up. It initially seemed to be a blessing, until it blew them square into a hurricane of great force. The crew and passengers were at the storm’s mercy, swept along by it’s fury for full weeks on end. Imagine how disorienting: no sun or stars for days upon days, only water raging above and below. Navigation must have been impossible.
The scribe tells us quite plainly: they gave up hope.
The sailors and civilians alike were tossed about in an angry sea. This imagery resonates with me, now almost an entire year into the pandemic. It’s safe to say our national leaders are lost: with no Son or saints to guide them. The regular instruments have failed. The sky only varies by degrees from the sea. So many of us have hit a wall at work and at home. Over and over again, hopes have been dashed. It feels like we may never find smooth waters again.
I am encouraged by Paul’s persistence. See, somehow Paul had managed to hold on to his original instructions. He tells the crew as much in Acts 27:21, “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete: then you would have spared yourself from damage and loss.” Paul had been in communication with the Creator abut the journey long before he’d ever set foot on the boat. The Spirit had warned him of rough waters and he had, in turn, warned the sailors. They had rebuffed the man of God and suffered the consequences of ignoring divine government.
In the disorienting and destructive storm, Paul alone refused for forget that God was still in control. He recalled the warning but continued to inquire of Lord on the crew’s behalf. He did not let the driving rain dampen his faith. He knew he served a God of second chances: that though they were so very far off originally intended best course, God could still intervene and save their skin. Paul rallied the sea-weary souls clinging to the battered boat.
“But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” (Acts 27:22 NIV)
The ship was indeed destroyed. The imperminant, the unimportant, the entrapping of wealth and status would be a total loss. But the souls on board would be saved.
“God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.”
(Acts 27:24 NIV)
Paul’s stalwart God-resolve was rewarded, and his companions were spared. Hope triumphed despite the devastation.
Have you heard of Christopher Columbus? I realize he’s been cancelled by many, but any man willing to sail to the ends of the earth for the glory of God has something important to impart to us. Apparently on his journey to discover America, the days got long and dissent arose among the crew. He noted the discord in his journal: “Sailed on.”
This pandemic has been dark and stormy. Quite honestly, it’s brought out the worst in most of us. But today we can take a cue from Paul and Columbus alike. We can stay anchored in our purpose. Paul’s why was testifying to Caesar, ours is testifying to an unbelieving world. Friend, remember original instructions. Our orders remain unchanged. (Matthew 28:19) Keep seeking God amidst the storm. Guard your heart against giving up. Stay the course despite the enemy’s disorientation. Trust God for the souls of all who sail with you.
Lord, we are weary of the danger and despair. We confess our total dependance on You. We recommit to our original purpose: to preach the gospel to those who don’t know You. Strengthen us for this task. Open the ears of our crew mates. Give us courage to sail on through stormy waters. See us safely back to shore. Amen.