Triumph in the Storm

“And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:22-25)

Paul is just as calm in the midst of the storm as he was before governors and kings. The hurricane does not prevent him from hearing the voice of God, whose he is, and whom he serves (v. 23). In time of trial, men often show the worst selfishness, but here the apostle thinks of the safety of his traveling companions. He reassures them with the word of God and then encourages them to take some food, not without having given thanks in front of them all (1 Tim. 4:4-5). After all their mishaps and the loss of the ship, they arrive safe and sound at their “desired haven” (Ps. 107:25-30).

We can see in the ship, a plaything of the tempest, a picture of the Church on earth. Having set out in good weather, it was not long before she met with the wind of trials and persecutions which Satan raised against her. The lack of food, a period of profound darkness, recourse to all sorts of seemingly prudent measures, all this has happened because the voice of the apostles—in the Word—has not been heeded.

The day is approaching; and with it the final shipwreck of professing Christendom. But the Lord knows those who are His in this “Church” which professes to call upon His name. Not one will be lost of those whom the Father has given Him (2 Tim. 2:19; Jn. 17:12): “And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land” (Acts 27:44).

J.K.