God's Way or No Way
v 26 "Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”
The Lord graciously begins, we might say, a work of restoration with the centurion and those on board his ship. But things were going to be very different from the manner of life and habits that had previously characterized this vessel. They were going to live—Paul's word assured them of that, and he spoke the truth, for he spoke from God. But in order that his message might bring peace and joy, it would have to be received by faith.
God's message to you, dear young person—if you are going to reap the benefits of joy and peace—must be believed by faith. If your life has met with disasters and storms because of self-will, and you have been brought in God's goodness to repentance—then you may be assured that happy times are ahead. "... the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Rom. 2:44Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)).
But it will require real faith in the God who loves you and wants to bring you back to Himself where you may afresh enjoy His love. Perhaps in your restoration you too will be cast upon an island. That is, you will find in the path of restoration, that things for you too are going to be different, and you will be placed in circumstances where you have God alone as your resource. With true restoration, things will be different! "He restoreth my soul...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (Psa. 23).
God's Work Slow and Thorough
v 27 "But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country”
After 14 days of hopelessness in the violent storm, they finally had hope, for the sailors realized they were drawing near to some country. However they didn't know what country they were nearing. In that wonderful faith chapter, Heb. 11, we read of those who by faith plainly said that they were looking for a country. The country they had left could not satisfy them, and they now desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hash prepared for them a city". That is what the Lord wants to bring you to, dear young believer. He wants you to have a desire in your heart for something better than what led you away from Him—a desire for the heavenly country where He is and where He has prepared your eternal dwelling. Nothing in this world can compare with the peace and beauty of that paradise. The more we desire to be there, the safer and happier will be our journey here.
Making Progress
v 28 "And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further; they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms”
Those on board the ship, now having regained some hope after their seemingly hopeless ordeal, begin to show an interest in their progress. This ought to be found in the life of one who is restored. That is, there will be an increasing interest in where I am in my life—a concern as to whether I am making real spiritual progress. Where before, there was only a desire for freedom and liberty to do my own will, a real desire to make progress in my Christian life will be evident.
Firm Anchors for Fear
v 29 "Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day".
A short time before, those on board the ship had given up all hope of being saved. Now they fear lest the boat be driven onto the rocks and their lives lost! This is progress! So it is that a restored believer will surely have a very tender conscience—a Godly fear of the rocks which might cause another spiritual disaster.
In an effort to keep from the rocks, the sailors cast out four anchors. As a soul once again finds the Christian joy lost through disobedience, God's Word will become the only safe anchor for every circumstance of life. Four in Scripture symbolizes what is universal. So too there will be a fresh sense that the Bible is universally applicable to every area and every detail of our lives.
It was still night, but evidently the storm was abating and they realized that with the coming of daylight they would finally be able to see. How eagerly they must have looked for that day! We are called children of the day (1 Thess. 5:5) and we ought never to feel comfortable walking in the moral night of this world.
We also read in Psa. 30:55For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5), "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". David was told "as soon as ye be up Lord would have us walk in the light of day, as He is in the light and that He wants us to always be looking and longing for the daylight of His promised return. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:2020He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)).
Listening to Paul
v 30-32 "And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off”
The sailors, responsible for guiding the ship, were planning to abandon it under the guise of making it more secure. It is important dear young believer that the unchanging doctrines and principles of the Word of God not be abandoned for modern concepts of Christianity. Sometimes it may seem as though such modernistic teaching is more relevant, making the abandonment of the old paths a wise thing to do in view of the storm. But as with Paul's warnings, happiness and safety on the voyage of life requires holding to that which never changes—the Word of God. Merely religious ideas and concepts may sound good, especially after experiencing a fall in your life. However, if followed, they may lead to abandoning of rather than preserving in, the Christian pathway.
Can You Trust Your Guide?
Be careful of using the very free and modern paraphrases and translations of the Word of God. The language of these may seem more understandable. But they contain much error and their effect on your life will be like those sailors who, though appearing to be helping were in reality deserting those in need.
The anchors that were meant to slow the ship and keep it from smashing on the rocks were at the back—the stern—of the ship. These sailors (like modern translations) were pretending to put something in the front. Modern translations often do not hold back and preserve the ship, but rather allow it to move ahead, bringing in doctrinal confusion and error. "Whosoever goes forward and abides not in the doctrine of the Christ has not God" (2 John 11The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; (2 John 1),9, JND Trans.).
Be careful also, dear young believer of any "religious counseling" which under the guise of helping you out of your difficulties, moves forward (teaching supposedly new truth concerning the Lord Jesus and Christian life), not content to remain in the doctrine of Christ.
You Need Food
v 33, 34 "And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.”
Fourteen days is a long time to go without food! They had been so pre-occupied with the terrible storm, that they had not taken time to eat. Perhaps the storm or difficulty that has assailed your life has not allowed you the opportunity or the desire to feed on God's Word. But that is the very meat that you must have to regain your spiritual strength. Be sure to spend time every day, diligently feeding on the precious Word of God. It is for your health.
If your desire is to come back to the Lord, be encouraged! There shall not an hair fall from your head. The Lord has promised that "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28,2928And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:28‑29)). Though you may have suffered a ship-wreck, when there is repentance, God can and will bring you to another ship. Take heart and take meat!
Good Example
v 35-37 "And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.”
Paul set the example by giving thanks and eating. See the power and effect of a good example! The rest watched him, saw his confidence, believed his word, and they were of good cheer. Perhaps you have tasted deep sorrow in your life and realized that self-will has brought it about. Now, repentant and forgiven, it is vitally important to follow examples given in the Word of God. God promises not only to forgive confessed sin, but to cleanse... from all unrighteousness. Let this give you hope for if God be for us, who can be against us?
You need the food of God's precious Word to nourish, 276 souls on the ship who were desperately in need of taking some meat. Dear young person, you have a far greater number of reasons to take Divine nourishment! Whether in school, at work, in your neighborhood—whatever the daily contacts of your life, you need food to act for God's glory for every single situation you will face. If the Lord has graciously restored you from a storm resulting from self-will, remember—be of good cheer and take some meat.
Don't Waste the Wheat!
v 38 "And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.”
Strange that having eaten nothing for 14 days, those on board did not seem to value the life giving food they were finally able to enjoy. Stranger still that once filled they would so quickly throw overboard the very thing needed to preserve their life. How swiftly we too—after the precious Word of God has satisfied and helped us through some trial—can lose our taste of its life-giving riches.
Having freshly received the sense of God's wonderful forgiveness, do not thoughtlessly throw out all the rich and boundless truth (wheat) found in its pages. It is possible that even a newly restored soul can quickly lose the appetite for and sense of need of the Bible.
Are You Listening to Lies?
What caused those on board ship to throw their supply of wheat into the sea? Perhaps it was because they felt its weight would hinder further progress through the lessening storm. Oh! don't allow the precious truths found in the Word of God to be thrown overboard! The enemy will ever seek to convince you that the truth of the Word of God is nothing more than mere brethren truth or that, being so hard to understand, it will do you no good. He may suggest that you don't have time to read in our busy day. Worst of all, He will tell you that those volumes of ministry contain teachings that don't really apply to the situations and conditions of this modern world.
“After all", the enemy reasons, "weren't these things written in past centuries?... how could believers who lived in the 1800's when there weren't airplanes, computers, telephones, and so many other modern miracles of technology, minister from the Bible in a way that meets your needs today?" He may suggest that the truths of God ministered in past generations will only hinder your progress, holding you back rather than helping you make progress through the often difficult and confusing world in which we live.
Satan may never suggest to you that these volumes of ministry are wrong. But he will tell you they are impractical and out of touch with your needs. He'll encourage you to throw them overboard promising a smoother, more comfortable ride through life. All such reasoning and suggestions are presented by he who is "...the devil...and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him...he is a liar, and the father of it." (in. 8:44)
Looking for Solid Ground
v 39 "And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.”
The land was, to these weary, storm tossed voyagers, their haven of safety. But when the day came it was a place with which they were unfamiliar. Thinking they saw a way (the creek) to reach this unfamiliar land, they made a bad decision.
Unfamiliarity with Divine truth may cause the firm and sure footing which God seeks to bring the restored soul to, seem impossible to attain. It may also result in having wrong thoughts about how to get to safety. It is familiarity with the Lord's guiding voice that will bring you there. "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it..." (Isa. 30:2121And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)). "I [being] in the way, the LORD led me" (Gen. 24:2727And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren. (Genesis 24:27)).
If the Lord has graciously restored you to Himself, after a painful fall into sin, dear young person, take time to become accqainted with the land (heaven) which is your safe haven. The more familiar you are with it, the happier and safer you will be. Remember, the Lord Jesus alone can give the wisdom necessary to make right decisions when seeking the place of rest and safety after the storm. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:55If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)).
Don't Give up and Don't Give in
v 40 "And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed [themselves] unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”
They had already thrown overboard the rest of the food (v. 38) —they gave up their source of strength. Now the anchors that secured them in the storm are released—they gave up their stability.
Next the bands which held the rudder firm were released—they gave up their source of direction. After that the sail is raised, allowing the stormy wind to drive them—they gave up all control. While hoping that the ship would somehow gain the shore's safety, they gave up every means needed to assure them of a safe and successful arrival!
Feed on Christ to Gain Strength
To continue now on a safe and happy journey after the Lord has graciously restored, you must have Christ as the strength of your life. Just like the children of Israel in the wilderness had manna (God's heavenly food) to feed on, so you now have Christ, the Bread of Heaven to feed on for your strength and satisfaction. Do feed (think about Him, talk to Him, read about Him) daily—don't throw the wheat overboard! "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:11Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)).
Pray to Gain Stability
We are told in God's Word that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:11And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; (Luke 18:1)). In 1 Thess. 5:1717Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) we are further told to pray without ceasing. And in James 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16) (JND Trans.) we read that the fervent supplication of the righteous man has much power.. The Lord Jesus as the perfect, dependent Man, was, we say reverently, a Man of prayer (see especially the gospel of Luke). Each believer, in spite of their circumstances, failures or victories, must travel the journey of life in the spirit of dependence on God. This is always expressed through prayer, and it is the means by which stability is gained—the stability needed to go through life without wavering in storms.
Read to Gain Direction
It is the Word of God which provides direction for our lives. The Bible is like those rudder bands that kept the ship steady and unwavering in the midst of those terrible waves, wind and storm. How important to keep our eyes steadily focused, through the Bible's Divine direction, on the end of the path of faith (he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God —Heb. 11:1010For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10)). How we need this Divine rudder to guide us along the journey of life!
6:19) is the power Christians need to move along the journey of life. It is possible to grieve this Divine Guest through disobedience and self-will. When this happens in a believer's life happiness is lost. It is also possible for a Christian to try to walk on life's journey listening to and using the world's advice (the wind) rather than walking in the power of the Spirit of God (see Eph. 4:1414That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:14)). When this happens, control is lost because a believer is at the mercy of every changing whim of worldly intelligence. How much better to allow the Spirit of God (by faith) to be the only source of power which takes us along our journey.
Don't Give in to the World
v 41 "And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.”
Had they not given up control of the ship to the storm, those on board would have experienced a far more pleasant landing. The very same thing happens when a believer tries to follow the Lord, while at the same time listening to worldly advice. Children of God walk by faith not by sight, so when a Christian tries to do both, the result is that they get stuck—no real progress in the Christian pathway can be made. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:88A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:8)).
There are two seas which frequently beat upon the believer, hindering spiritual progress by faith. They are the religious world and the natural world. Neither world can help a child of God walk by faith through life. Not only are they opposed to the life of faith, but they often violently oppose each other. A believer who gets caught up in them can receive serious damage in life. Just as part of the ship broke up in the violence of these two opposing forces, so the life of faith cannot be fully and properly lived if following these "two seas" of man's opinions and standards.
Of course the Christian is safe. A believer can, as previously mentioned, never lose their salvation. But the ability to walk through the storms of life, by faith, can be lost in the violence of two seas.
The Best for the Last
v 42-44 "And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on [broken pieces] of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land".
Though they all lived (just as the Lord had assured Paul they would), their refusal to listen to his warnings, and their subsequent foolish decisions, cost them everything. This is not God's desire for your life, beloved young Christian.
We have already mentioned that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. If you have passed through a storm in your life, have repented, and are now seeking to find a life full of meaning, satisfaction and joy, carefully consider the following passages. They are but a few of those that so wonderfully and clearly reveal the heart of God towards you.
"Prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal. 3:1010Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)).
May these verses (and a multitude more) comfort and encourage your heart. In spite of what failures may have taken place in your life, the result of true repentance before God will be to find, as Job did of old, that God is there for you, to bless you with twice as much, as it were, as before.