Act 27: 1-2, 33-44
Introduction
“Weathering The Storm”, is often considered a metaphor for many of life’s trials and tribulations. How we adapt, adjust, and react to the difficulties and destructive situations has much to do with recovering from storms. It is extremely critical to have hope, history, and human experience dealing with storms. In our lesson, we discover those encountering a storm at sea while en route to Rome. Paul having exercised his right as a citizen of Rome, has requested a trial before Caesar. While en route, the ship encounters stormy weather.
1 CALM BEFORE THE STORM (Acts 27: 1-2)
Paul had been warned by an angel that the ship would have some difficulty. The promise had already been made that the ship would not make it, but its passengers and crew would all survive. It is because of this information, because of the faith and trust in God, Paul could remain calm before the storm. Paul’s life, since his conversion, has experienced hardships, history, and human harm. This leads him to have the calm before the storm.
2 CALM IN THE STORM (vv. 33-38)
As Paul is calm before the storm, he remains calm in the storm.
Paul relies on his experience in which he had encountered metaphorical storms, as he had attempted to share and spread the Gospel. He had learned to call on the Lord in a crisis, knowing that God will step in on time. Faith is the anchor that allows us to remain calm in a storm.
3 SHIPWRECKED, BUT SAVED (vv. 39-44)
Staying calm in a storm has a dual purpose. One purpose is to keep us from panicking and the other is to keep others from panicking. Staying calm can be as medicine for those who may need medicine. Staying calm is an encouragement to those who may need encouragement. It is an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Satan uses storms to fill his purpose to steal, kill and destroy. In a panic, the crewman cast out with lifeboats, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners that they may not escape. The centurion willing to save Paul kept them from that purpose. He commanded that those who could swim, dive into the sea and swim to land, the rest on boards and broken pieces of the ship. They would all make it safe to land.
CONCLUSION
I’m reminded of the song made famous by the late Lena Horne entitled “Stormy Weather”. Her metaphorical storm was one of a broken relationship. Her and her man weren’t together. In our lesson, Paul is in a literal storm at sea while en route to Rome to plead his case to Caesar. Paul remains calm throughout this ordeal. From before, beginning, in the mist, and in conclusion, he stays calm. He’s able to remain calm for he has divine information, he remains calm in that he has been given the assurance that he will reach Rome. He has remained calm in that he trusted God. As we tread these mundane shores of life, it would behoove us to trust God while in a storm. He is, a storm regulator.
“PAUL SAILS TO ROME”
Rev. J. H. Eskridge