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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 27, we are reading of this exciting sea story, where Paul is being transferred from Caesarea to Rome. The narrative is a masterpiece of accuracy. We saw how they sailed right into trouble, because they paid no heed to the man of God. They rejected the advice of the servant of Jesus Christ. They would not hear nor receive what was being said through the Apostle Paul - a man with a lot of experience - a man who knew how to listen to God and commune with God.
We took time to ask and answer that important question – “Is the Bible true?” - and this is one passage where we can ask various questions of the text, and find the biblical account totally reliable, and able to stand up to all the various questions.
To prove any historical event scientifically you need - 1. A reliable record - and
2. You need to be sure that the person who wrote the record is reliable and honest. We have both here. We can check the facts - the geography - the routes - the islands - the ports mentioned - do all these exist? Did ships sail like this at this time? Check the nautical facts - could these ships hold 276 people? Was there dangerous weather in early October, when this journey took place?
The grain ship begins to sail west. The cargo has to be carried as quickly as possible for the sake of profit. The concern is Grain and Profit.
A soft wind began to blow, and they grabbed their chance. They seized the slightest favourable breeze.Soon there is a hurricane, and they are blown along, at one and a half miles an hour for 14 days, and if you work that out they would arrive in the area of Malta. This is vivid descriptive writing - but it is more than that.
The ship was on the point of breaking up, and they did what people did at that time - tie the ship together with ropes. Send a man underneath with one rope and bind it together to prevent the timbers from springing open. There is panic aboard this ship. But while they are running around in a hive of hectic activity, something else was happening aboard that ship. Paul had been communing with God - while the storm was at its height - its worst - its fiercest. Verses 21 to 23. Is there not a lesson here?
Paul had been praying and fasting, and the consequences of that time of communion are revealed. You should have taken my advice and listened to me. You shouldn't have sailed from Crete. You could have avoided all this loss and damage and fear, and now I urge you not to lose your courage. No-one will be lost but the ship will be destroyed.
v 23Last night an angel of God visited me - I belong to God - I serve God - I am His property - He is my Master and I worship Him - He sent an angel to minister to me.
The angel said, "Don't be afraid Paul - Paul, you'll get to Rome. You have to appear before Caesar. You will be kept safe, and all who sail with you will be kept safe."
So keep your courage. I believe in God. It will happen just as the angel spoke to me, but, we must run aground on some island. Many are safe because a Christian is present. Paul is one of those who are the salt of the earth, and the salt is preserving life in this situation. The sailors knew they were nearing land. The water was becoming shallower. They threw out four anchors, and wished it were morning.
Verse 30. Then, Paul witnessed scenes of panic. The sailors let down the lifeboat, and were preparing to escape under some pretence of deception. Where there is danger sinful men become deceptive. The desire to survive at the expense of others dominates. Men will do anything to prolong their lives in this world.
Paul speaks to the Centurion and to the soldiers. If these sailors don't remain aboard this ship, you cannot be saved. What a lesson this is for The Christian Church - when some people run away - the whole group can be at risk - individuals and the group. Here again, we see the man of God who is so concerned about others. "Get a little food into you. You will need something to eat for energy - you've had nothing for 14 days." Paul took some food, and gave thanks, and they all had something to eat. It is as if Paul has had a break through. All will be rescued.
There were 276 people aboard that ship and now they get rid of everything they did not need. The sailors still thought they could save the ship. God said they couldn't. Who was going to be right?
They cut off the anchors - untied two steering oars - raised a sail - all in one last effort to reach the shore. But, two strong currents running together caused a sandbank to form at this point, and the ship ran aground and was unmoveable, and the violent waves break it up from the rear.
The soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners, so that none of them could swim ashore and escape. But, the Centurion, wanting to keep Paul safe, put a stop to that plan. They all reach the shore safely. When God speaks - what He predicts - comes true! Paul has to be preserved - kept safe - delivered to Rome in one piece. No harm must come to Paul, and Jesus will use various people to protect His beloved chosen servant. If God has called you, He will not fail you. He will never let you down. There ARE things which it is impossible for God to do – fail you – disappoint you – let you down. That surprises some people. But it is a wonderful surprise. God is faithful. Remember that wherever you are and whatever you may be enduring and experiencing at this time.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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