Lessons
From A Shipwreck
2014-10-05
Acts 27:33-44
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul
urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day
that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34
Therefore I urge you to take some food. It will give you strength, for not a
hair is to perish from the head of any of you."
35 And when he had said these
things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke
it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food
themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had
eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
39 Now when it was day, they did
not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they
planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and
left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the
rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But
striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained
immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.
42 The soldiers' plan was to kill
the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion,
wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those
who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest
on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely
to land.
God determines not only end but means to that end.
· Far better
to be in the midst of danger with God than apparent safety without God.
· Paul, Luke,
& others learn that truth on a 2 week near-death experience at sea.
o Know that
Luke was on board: there is a tremendously detailed description & he says “we”
sixteen times.
During transport to Rome it became hazardous to travel by sea.
· Ancient
shipping annals said that sailing this part of Mediterranean after Sept. 14 was
dangerous, and after Nov. 10 was impossible. It was now mid-Oct. Acts 27:9-12
o So by reason
and wisdom, not divine revelation Paul concludes the risk is too great.
§ The one
on the boat with a sure fate (God promised he’d reach Rome) was most cautious.
o The
sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety & security but is certainly not
an excuse for foolishness, carelessness, reckless living or sin. i.e.
The experts & the majority refused his advice & sailed into a hurricane.
Act 27:13-14, 18-20
· Storms come
even if we are walking in obedience to Jesus & they don’t always end
quickly.
o It is understandable
when disobeying & running from God like Jonah.
§ Do not be
surprised if you do right that trials, tribulations & difficulties come.
The Bible’s focus is not who causes pain or why it was allowed, but rather
on our response to it.
· “A crisis
does not make a person, but shows what person is made of.” Wiersbe
· The prisoner,
Paul, realized there was problem & took initiative without any formal
leadership position or authority. Act 27:21-26, 33-36
o Paul was not
striving to be leader but simply trying to help.
§ Paul focused
on others because knew he would get to Rome.
· He practically
helped: Sometimes we just need the basics: food, water, sleep.
o You need to
do all you can to fix problem then trust God to do His part.
· Paul’s
God rescued all 276 passengers from death. Act 27:42-44
o For no
one to die in a shipwreck was considered a great miracle in the ancient world.
§ The prisoners
were saved two times for Paul’s sake. 1 Cor 7:13-14
§ Lost
people have little awareness of how much of a benefit they experience by the presence
of a Christian.
Just like Paul, God will protect His people in accordance with His
purposes & promises. Act 27:24,
Rom 8:28 & 5:3-5, Phil 1:6, 1 Pet 1:3-7
· God didn’t
promise the storm would end but that He would see them through it, & He did!
o Christ
will see you through life’s storms (lose job, disease, loved one dies).
· He’ll
quiet your hearts & give you hope, even when you are afraid.
o Here Jesus
used a divine messenger but encouragement and hope may come in less dramatic,
but equally meaningful ways:
§ Bible verse,
phone call/text, meeting of hidden need, etc.
· If you
are afraid, overwhelmed, or discouraged, ask God to give you a concrete
reminder of His presence & promises.
o Then follow
Paul’s example & look to serve others in need.
§ Encourage
someone whose life has recently experienced a shipwreck.
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