Shipwreck

Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.

Acts 27: 39-44

The crew of the storm-tossed ship, having already been lighten of its cargo, is now fearing they are near to land and the ship will break up once it is grounded on a shoal or the shore. So, the crew cuts loose the anchors of the ship to allow the wind to push the ship, hopefully, to a shore where they can get to solid ground. Though land was in sight as the morning came, the ship ran aground on a sand bar before getting to the shore. The ship “stuck fast,” meaning the ship could not be freed from its position on the sand bar. Now, the soldiers, led by the centurion, were planning to kill the prisoners on the ship to keep them from escaping. The Centurion, wanting to keep Paul alive, ordered all who could swim to jump into the water and make their way to the shore. Those who could not swim were told to grab hold of piece of wood from the ship, which was breaking up, and make their way to shore. The centurion’s act saved the lives of the prisoners, including Paul, because, earlier, Paul had told the centurion that the ship would be lost but no one would die. Unlike the centurion’s earlier disregard of Paul’s advice, the centurion places his faith in what the Apostle has said his God would do. The end result was all lives were saved even though the ship was lost. Christians may find themselves in a life situation that threatens some important person or thing in their lives. Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, in our Savior and Lord to keep us and protect us during such times is what we must demonstrate. Paul did. Yes, Paul was told what was to happen. But, had the centurion not done what he did, Paul and all the other prisoners would have been killed. The centurion saw the faith of Paul in his God and decided to have a little faith in Paul. When our situations appear dire and we think we have nowhere to turn, remember how great and powerful is God Almighty. If He made all things, don’t you think He could handle your dire circumstance?

Source: S C Ball August 17, 2023