The Storm at Sea
The Storm at Sea | Acts 27:1-44
The Lord Jesus, when He was on earth, on a number of occasions, taught His disciples not let their hearts be troubled. (Matthew 6:25, John 14:1, 27)
God clearly wants us to be a people who have peace even when the storm rages about us and everyone else is panicking.
We need to learn from Paul's posture in this story, how he handled troubles well.
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How to be at rest amidst the raging storm? How did Paul show his faithfulness in the face of danger?
I. Seriousness of the storm
- It is worth noticing how many details we are given in this account and the degree of passion with which they are presented.
- Note the major problems of this journey—starting at the worst time of the year and also note how the journey took a lot longer, extending into winter.
- Paul warned of the danger but they did not heed him.
- The met with chaos and felt so nervous that they could not eat.
- After days of putting all their skills to use, all hope of being saved was abandoned.
I I. Paul’s Source of Peace
- Paul urged them to take heart for there would be no loss of lives.
(a) He knew his God was with him - an angel appeared to him and gave him a message, but there was nothing told him that he didn't already know. He knew his God is for him and with him and that God intends good for him. We also need to know and believe and apply this knowledge. We must practice our faith all the more in times of uncertainty.
(b) He knew to whom he belonged - Paul knew there was a God over all these things, who had special interest in him and had responsibility for him. God owned him and was protective of him. If we think and believe it of our earthly parents who fail, all the more we should of our Heavenly Father who is perfect, who has never once failed to rescue His Bride, His people, His church.
Trusting your God as your Father doesn't mean that we will not go through storms. It just means that it will all work out for our good in the end. Trusting in God doesn't mean that we do nothing to help ourselves. When He ordains an end, He also ordains means. Both will not be thwarted.
(c) He knew whom he is serving - He knew no storm was going to take him out until he had finished every part of God's plan. John Bycroft often wonders why he still continues to be alive. It is obvious that he still has things to learn, prayers to pray, and encouragements to give, even like he encouraged South City last week. And the Lord will call Him home, just as He will call us, when our purpose is done.
III God’s Peace on Display
- God made a promise to Paul and to the unbelievers who were with him to spare their lives.
- This was not because of their great skills but because Paul was in the boat with them.
- This is an analogy of how salvation works: The only reason we are saved is because Jesus is with us.
Is Jesus Christ in your boat with you? If He is, then that is why you are saved and will be saved. If not, accept the salvation offered you in Christ, to turn from your sin and unto God.