Recently, I had a dream. I was talking to my family, and we were standing beside our cars parked on the side of the street by the sidewalk. Suddenly, I looked up and saw a tornado start to form in the clouds. I pointed toward it and yelled, “Is that a tornado!” We all rushed into my car so we could drive away from it. Before I could pull away, the tornado had already touched down and picked up a huge tree that looked like a maple but was big and strong like an oak. The tree was almost as big as the tornado, and it was not harmed; the leaves blew slightly because of the wind, but it stood upright, being moved by the tornado about a foot off the ground from one side of the street to the other.
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
In the Tempest
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
Shipwrecked on Malta
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
Acts 27:9-44
The storm is upon us. The body of Christ will be intact and protected, but there is an unction, a leading of the Lord for intercession. He is calling the body of Christ to pray.
When they decided to set sail against Paul’s warning, Paul was taken along for the ride and interceded on behalf of those on the ship. He perceived their journey would end in disaster, and cargo and lives would be lost. Paul perceived what would happen in the future, but when his warnings were ignored, he prayed the Father’s heart to save the lives of everyone on board. The Angel of the Lord let Paul know the Lord granted all those who sailed with him. His prayers availed much. (James 5:16)
24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
Acts 27:24
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter3:9
To get through this season, the Lord is calling us to intercede for those around us going through the storm so that they might be saved and believe in the Lord. We must stay close to the Lord to receive his comfort and instruction.
Paul’s Ministry on Malta
28 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Malta means “place of Honey” or “sweetness.” Honey has a significant meaning in the Bible. Here are a few examples to give context.
When Johnathon and the army are weary from battle, Johnathon walks past honey in the forest, oozing onto the ground, and tastes it. This honey brightens his eyes.
27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.
1 Samuel 14:27
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
Proverbs 16:24
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
So, what does honey look like spiritually? Honey looks like the island people from Malta. After seeing these men escape a shipwreck with prisoners, they show unusual kindness to them and build a fire to warm them from the rain. Honey brings hope to the heart and brightens someone’s eyes and vision. Honey is a gracious word that brings sweetness and healing to someone’s soul.
It warms and helps people despite who they are, rejuvenating and strengthening them. It’s a timely word of the Lord that brings encouragement and hope. It gives them God’s vision for them.
It can look like meeting the physical needs of survivors in the aftermath of recent hurricanes. However that looks, prayer helps mobilize those who can meet physical needs. Prayer helps us stay tuned to hear the Lord’s instructions to meet those needs. It tunes our ears to hear a timely word of the Lord that may encourage someone who has lost hope and bring them the word of truth, Jesus.
After enduring the shipwreck, Paul is seen gathering sticks to help build the fire. Then, a snake is drawn out because of the heat and bites Paul. Paul was not shaken, for he already had the word of the Lord that he would stand before Caesar. So he shook the snake into the fire.
I believe there is instruction to us through this story for this season.
- You must stay close to the Lord in worship, prayer, and the word. Incline your ear to hear his instruction and leading for you during this season.
- We must be in intercession.
- Trust his word over the storm, shipwreck, and vicious attacks.
- Abide in God’s presence, and don’t let the enemy’s attacks get to you. God is your protector. Shake it off in the fire of God’s presence and continue building the fire. Build your relationship with the Lord. Build upon cultivating God’s presence in your life.
- Expect to see miracles and to be a sign and a witness of God’s goodness.
‘I am near to the broken-hearted. I am your great restorer. Look to me; despite the pain, I will bring my sweetness into your life. Like delicate chocolates, I take what is bitter and add my sweetness to it, revitalizing your eyes, your vision, and your soul. Let my words drip like warm honey on your soul. Let my peace, that not of the world, bring rest in your chest. Exhale the tightness of your breath. Rely on me; I come with provisions. Have faith in my bounty. It is time to set your sights to me. When all else has failed, let me work a miracle in you that you would not believe if you heard it.’
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
Psalm 34:18
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
“For I am the Lord your God
Isaiah 41:13
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.”
Because of Paul’s obedience to follow the Lord and look to him when troubles arose, he was empowered to endure. This endurance enabled him to be a witness to many who may not have heard the gospel otherwise. Jewish leaders, government officials, captains, officers, prisoners, and a native island people all witnessed the Glory of God, his protection, provision, and healing.
If you have not experienced Jesus’s salvation, I encourage you to look to him today. The Bible says if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you will be saved (Romans 10:8-9). The Lord works through belief. Cry out to him, say, “God, I believe you are the one true God. You sent Jesus to die for me and Save me. Save me, Jesus. Forgive me of my sins, and help me to live for you.”