I was recently drawn to read Acts chapter 27. It contains the story of the wreck of the Alexandrian ship on which Paul was being taken to Rome after he appealed to Caesar. As I read, I noticed many lessons that could be learned by Paul’s experience. Recent events in the world and church seem ominous. Concerns abound. Podcasts and publications copiously supply various scenarios for the future of the church.
But we have the sure word of prophecy and the promises of Jesus found in Matthew 16:18 “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” And in Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
“There is no need to doubt, to be fearful that the work will not succeed. God is at the head of the work, and He will set everything in order. If matters need adjusting at the head of the work God will attend to that, and work to right every wrong. Let us have faith that God is going to carry the noble ship which bears the people of God safely into port.”—Selected Messages 2:390 (1892)
Think of the Alexandrian ship as the Remnant Church. Like Paul, we are prisoners of Jesus Christ. We’re sailing on rough seas. It looks like the ship will be lost, broken into pieces by the winds of false doctrines and the waves of strife. Read the story with new eyes. Let the Holy Spirit enlighten your understanding.
Paul’s Last Voyage
The journey began in a leisurely manner down the coast of Palestine then across the sunny Mediterranean Sea. Early in the voyage, the winds were against them and they had to alter course. More course corrections were needed as the winds became more contrary and the way became more difficult. Because of various course corrections their progress was slowed and the fall weather changes caught up with them, the winds and waves became more dangerous.
The Day of Atonement came to an end and their predicament worsened. Paul warned his fellow passengers that they faced damage and heavy loss to cargo, ship, and even their lives. He warned then to wait till spring to continue the voyage but instead of listening to the man of God, the Centurian, Julius, listened to the owners and captain of the ship and pressed on.
The weather appeared to moderate when warm south breezes came their way so they proceeded across the sea toward Rome.
Shortly thereafter a Euroclydan, a Northeaster, swept down upon the sea and drove the ship before the wind. Even with the drift anchor down they were unable to control the ship’s course. Under the relentless battering of the winds and waves they began to fear that the ship would be destroyed and their lives lost. They began to jettison most of the cargo and rigging of the ship. The storm was so severe that the sun and stars could not be detected for many days. Navigation was impossible. Hope faded. No one ate.
One night in the midst of the raging storm, an angel of the Lord was sent to encourage Paul. He told Paul,”Don’t be afraid, you must stand before Caesar.” Additionally Paul was assured that all on the ship with Paul would be saved but they would run aground.
After 14 days of relentless battering, signs of nearing landfall were detected. In the black of night, they lowered four anchors and prayed for daylight.
During that night Paul noticed that some sailors were launching the small skiff which had been taken on board earlier. Without the sailors to man the ship, the passengers would be helpless. “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved,” Paul told the centurion. The soldiers then cut the lifeboat loose.
As daybreak neared on the fourteenth day, Paul encouraged all to eat. They would need strength for the final trial. Again, Paul assured them that all would be saved. He then gave thanks to God, blessed the food and all 276 persons on board ate.
Afterwards every effort to lighten the ship was done so they could beach the vessel. The last of the provisions were thrown into the foaming billows.
At daybreak land was sighted. A small bay with a beach promised hope. The anchors were cut loose, the rudders were untied and the fo’sail hoisted into the wind. As hoped, the ship ran aground, its bow jammed into the sand and remained immovable. The stern though, was pounded to pieces in the violent waves.
A new danger, a death decree was announced. No prisoners were to escape, but Julius, the centurion, saved Paul and his fellow prisoners from this fate.
All were instructed to swim to shore with any means possible. Planks and debris from the ship were used to get all safely to shore. None lost their lives.
The Church
The remnant church of Jesus Christ has an appointment in the future. We will stand before tribunals for our faith. We prefer easy sailing but the winds and storms of worldly strife have delayed our journey. We’ve often been blown off course. Disagreements onboard affect decisions and we are in danger of losing the ship. Though earthly leaders may come to wrong conclusions, the God of Heaven watches over all. After the Judgment, the Day of Atonement, is over, the storm will rage relentlessly. All hope will fade, but our heavenly Captain warns us to stay with the ship. Don’t think you’ll escape safely on a little independent boat.
The final trial, the death decree, is yet to occur, but we will be saved. We must partake of the Bread of Heaven for strength to get through. We must not depend on our own provisions. We must hang on to the end and we’ll be brought safely to the heavenly shore. Don’t let go!
Bio
Francine Lee, mother of two and grandmother of three moved to Tok, Alaska with her family in 1991 to work as a nurse in a remote clinic and to plant a church. She owned a health food store for several years, then started a mission-minded school after reading the story of Madison College. She joins her husband as he pastors three churches, the furthest 260 miles away over Thompson Pass which has an average snowfall of 500 inches a year. Following the Lord’s leading is never dull.