God Rescues

Acts 27:21-26 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
 
WE don’t like to be told, “You were wrong.” even when it’s true. We are more comfortable to hide our errors or pretend they are another’s fault. But the men couldn’t deny Paul’s reminder he told them not to sail from Crete. This prisoner had warned them; now they were on the verge of drowning.
   Paul’s reminder was to encourage them. He had some great news! They would survive the storm! How did he know? “An angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me last night.”
   God’s promise was very clear. Paul would go to Rome to stand before Caesar. All on board would survive. In the violent darkness came a light from heaven. The Lord assured his apostle and gave confidence to the crew. They had heard the promise. They would see the promise fulfilled. God’s messenger came with the Lord’s tender mercy to calm fearful hearts in the dark wind and ceaseless waves.
   Did they believe? The evidence is that some did and some did not. But the messenger also said the crew couldn’t simply wait and watch events unfold. They had to guide the boat onto an island. Everyone needed to do his part to see God’s promise completed.
   God’s promises often require your response. God promised to the Jews a land where they would enjoy prosperity and peace. For this to happen, the Jews had to follow his commands, to conquer the land and to worship him only. They didn’t do that, and God’s promise became an empty memory.
   In the gospel message, Jesus promises, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) But there’s no rest if you don’t go to him. Most of God’s promises require our response. In the storm, the sailors needed to believe, so God could save them. What was their response? What is your response in the storm?