Fellow Travelers

December 10, 2018

Acts 27 tells the story of St. Paul being taken to Rome under guard as a prisoner of the Empire. He travels by ship, which encounters a violent storm, a Northeaster, that drives the ship for two weeks, helpless before its fury. The sailors use every trick in their book to save the ship, throwing tackle and cargo overboard, hoisting sails and letting down the sea anchors, all to no avail. In the middle of the storm, Paul has a dream which he relates to the crew and passengers. “Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 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.’”

(Acts 27:23-24 NIV). 

In one of his letters to the church in Corinth, Paul reminds the people that the events recorded in the Scriptures were given not only for the instruction of the people in the stories, but also for ours, which means this story is not mere history, but is in the Bible to teach us something about life. There are many lessons to be learned here, but the one that speaks to me today is the last phrase of Paul’s assurance to the crew and passengers on that ship. The ship will be destroyed, Paul told them, but “God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” 

God’s people are not promised easy, trouble-free lives. We can expect to suffer loss; we are assured of persecution (“They hated me; they will hate you, too. The servant is not above the Master” —John 13:16). Heartache, sickness, poverty, and betrayal are promises from God we prefer to ignore. But the promise contained in Paul’s short speech to his fellow travelers is also for us. If like Paul, we belong to God and are serving him, he has already given us the lives of those who travel with us. Children, grandchildren, spouses...when we are doing God’s work, we are assured of God’s presence, power, and protection, not only for ourselves, but also for those who sail with us. Bad things may happen, we may shed many a tear, but God will prevail. For that, I lay down my worries and fears and give thanks tonight.