The Storm at Sea (Acts 27)
The book of Acts reads like a compelling novel. But by the time one nears the denouement of this, the second volume of Luke's gospel, one has already encountered resurrections, healings, courtroom conversations, imprisonments, beatings, mayhem, controversies, and a wide cast of characters from every walk of life and persuasion. The only drama that could keep our attention is a shipwreck, so Luke tosses one in for good measure.
It's a compelling narrative, especially since the book of Acts ends not with a bang, but with a whimper, and one leaves the book of Acts sensing that Paul's shipwreck near the island of Malta was, actually, the greatest danger he had faced. Images and symbolisms of Jonah are certainly a part of the intention, and Paul emerges, whole, from the belly of the shipwreck to live another day and proclaim the message of the risen Lord.
Vomited up on dry land by the terrible storm, Paul leads the gang in a giving thanks and lives are changed. (What lives are NOT changed through flirtations with death?)
But the story also provokes questions for the reader. What storms have we faced? What conflicts past and present has God seen us through? What, now, is our response and call? Are we willing to go?
(Beginning Monday: Ten Things We All Learn in High School)
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