Amid this COVID-19 pandemic, the story of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27 brings me comfort and hope that we will get through this major, worldwide catastrophe. It warns us to not panic, but to stay with the ship, symbolically, the word of God that has the power to save, heal, and protect us from all harm and danger. It also teaches us to be flexible, to walk by faith, and to listen to wise counsel.
The story tells of Paul, a prisoner on a ship headed to Rome with 275 individuals on board. He warned the guard initially not to sail, but to no avail. Paul told him, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” Nevertheless, after two weeks of being driven across the stormy Adriatic Sea, the sailors sensed they were near land. Fearing they would be dashed against the rocks; they planned an escape. Paul warned the guard again and said, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”
Paul told his captors who had been “in constant suspense and have gone without food” to eat in order to survive.” Paul then took some bread, (the word of God) gave thanks to God, broke it and began to eat.They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. When daylight arrived, the ship struck a sandbar and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. The guard spared Paul’s life and ordered everyone to swim or use a board to get to land. All 276 were saved.
Similarly, we need to stay with the ship during this pandemic. We need to #SHELTER IN PLACE until this storm passes over so that we can be saved and also spare the lives of others. Like Paul, we can’t give in to depression or anxiety. It’s important that we eat some bread, that is the word of God, give thanks to him, and share what we have with those in need during this pandemic.
While sheltering in place, this is a good time to teach our children God’s word. One of the most important, is the story of The Plague on the Firstborn. The story records how the lives of all firstborns were spared and Israelites were freed from slavery by sheltering in place and applying the blood over their doorposts, Today, we don’t need the blood of goats. God sent his son, Jesus, once and for all as the perpetual atonement for mankind’s eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12)
The guard listened to Paul’s good counsel and stayed with the ship until daylight. Likewise, when daylight arrives, we too can emerge from our homes and go back to work, school, play, and a new normal way of life. Our spiritual journey is a walk of faith. Sometimes it’s dark and we can’t see our way, but God will provide an angel, like Paul, that says, stay with the ship until daylight. That is, until God shows us the next step.
Sometimes, that next step is a shipwreck to get us to dry ground. But if we stay the course, we will get there. We return however, as survivors, knowing that when we stay with the ship, that is, rooted in God’s word, he will be faithful to his word and will save, heal, and protect us from all harm and danger. He will bring us through the storms of life. They will pass over. No weapon formed against us will prosper. Stay the course, #Resurrection Sunday is coming. All is well.
You are loved, capable, intelligent, beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving father. #God’s will is that you and your children have an abundant, healthy and fulfilled life. Please show your support of this post by liking, commenting, following me, and brightening someone’s day by sharing it with them.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you.
Exodus 12:13
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