Read
“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
(Acts 27: 20)
Think
Chapter 27 is hugely dramatic. Paul – still under arrest – is being transported to Rome to stand trial before Caesar following accusations by Jews in Jerusalem back in chapter 21. Travelling by sea at a perilous time of year, they run into a hurricane that blows them several hundred miles off course. So violent and relentless is the storm that after several days they, ‘finally gave up all hope of being saved’.
Storms are a powerful image in the bible. In Noah’s day God’s flood brings judgement on human life on earth. Throughout the Psalms we find storm imagery describing both challenges and the power of God. Jonah faces violent storms on the sea for his disobedience. In Revelation 21:1, John sees a vision of the new heaven and earth and says that, ‘there was no longer any sea’ – and part of what he’s getting at is that there is no longer a source of storm and peril and loss of life.
And if you’ve read some of the gospels, perhaps you know that Jesus is master of the storm. Violent winds rage while experienced sailors fear for their lives – but God the son has only to speak and both wind and waves are stilled (Mark 4:25-41).
In Acts 27, God remains master of the storm. While he allows this one to rage for 14 days, he yet saves every life on board the ship. 276 people are aboard, but not one is lost, just as he promises in Acts 27: 24 – the crew are prevented from abandoning the others to their fates, and even those who can’t swim are carried to shore on the wreckage. God can preserve life through the most violent batterings.
Whether the storms you are facing are natural disasters, mental disorders, physical health, relationship breakdowns – Jesus is the one who can bring you through it. Whether he speaks and the storm is stilled, or whether he gives you the strength you need to endure, keep looking to him, keep spending time with his people, and he will see you through.
Pray
Father, thank you that you are lord of the storm. No matter what forces are raging against your people, you are mighty to bring us through. No powers are more powerful than you – no other force can resist the sound of your voice – and you have set your heart on us.
Thank you that through Jesus we are your children. Help us to look to you in the middle of hard places – to read your word, to speak with you, to spend time with your people to encourage and strengthen one another. Help us to look for your strength and comfort now, and to look ahead in hope to the day when all storms will be stilled forever.
Amen
