Lessons From a 2,000 Year Old Journey
Let's retrace a journey that a group of people made a long time ago. Because this journey is recorded in the Word of God, we know it contains vitally important principles and instruction for today. It took place sometime around A.D. 60 and is not only historically true, but morally valuable. All God's Word is profitable for doctrine, reproof correction and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)), so we will find that these principles, are fully applicable to our lives today. The Word of God is "quick"—living—and powerful. Thus this account, part of the living Word of God, can always be applied through the direction of the Spirit of God, to every soul and in every circumstance of their life.
The World's Morality Is Worthless
No instructions, warnings, or safeguards invented by man can be trusted to provide safe passage for the journey of life. Lost in sin, man has willingly been alienated from his Creator, and is morally incapable of knowing the mind of God. And—even if he did know it—he's incapable of submitting his rebellious will to the will of God. May God grant that each one-especially our beloved young Christian readers—turn away from the advice of the world that spit in the face of our blessed Savior, and instead submit their will to the warnings, instructions and guidance found in His infallible Word.
Who Went on the Journey?
The particular journey we will consider is found recorded in the 27th chapter of the Book of Acts. It's a trip that the Apostle Paul, and those who were with him, took when he was sent from Caesarea to Rome, there to stand before Nero Caesar’s tribunal.
We will meet several individuals by name, and learn about some others who aren't named. Each of these individuals' lives and actions are recorded in God's Word to give instructions for us on our "trip".
Perhaps we could say that the Apostle Paul represents the only legitimate testimony to the truth of God that existed. If that precious truth is embraced, believed and practiced—if Paul is listened to—there will be preservation from tragedy and shipwreck in life.
Julius the centurion represents a responsible individual—just like yourself—traveling life's journey. How good it would have been for everyone who went on that journey if Julius had heeded the apostle's warnings. We must hear and do the counsel and instruction which our blessed Lord Jesus gives through His dear servants and in His precious Word. Julius made a decision not to listen to Paul. The results affected not only himself, but also everyone else on the ship. So there will be both individual and collective effects resulting from the decisions you make in your life's journey. How important to listen to the Lord!
Beginning the Journey
Our life has been determined by Another. No one planned his or her birth into this world—no one had any say about when, where, or into what conditions they would begin life's journey. All that has been determined by God. What a comfort to realize that our God has foreknown us—He has planned our lives, desires to bless us, and all in perfect love and wisdom. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Rom. 8:29-3029For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29‑30)).
Dear young person, even if you sometimes get discouraged and think you may have somehow been cheated in the circumstances into which you were born, always remember the question that is asked immediately after the above passage: "What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?" The God who created you and determined the circumstances and time of your entering upon life's journey, is, if you know Him as your Savior God, for you. He makes no mistakes—only Satan, who fooled Adam and Eve in the garden, would desire to get us to question God's perfect ways, His goodness and His love. The devil will always try to get us to question God's ability and desire to make us supremely happy.
A Responsible Traveler
Julius the Centurion was in a very responsible position. He was given a service to carry out for the emperor, and he must give answer for how he did. Dear young believer, you must too answer for how you carry out the responsibilities of this life—a life that God has given you for the purpose of bringing honor and glory to Him.
What am I talking about? We read in Ezek. 18:3,43As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. 4Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. (Ezekiel 18:3‑4) "As I live, saith the Lord GOD... Behold, all souls are mine". And in Rom. 14:1212So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12) we also read, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Every soul who has been born into this world (save, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself), will stand before—not Nero Caesar—but God, there to give an account to Him of their life. No one will be able to say, "I am not responsible to answer to you, God, for how I lived". Each mouth will be stopped (Rom. 3:1919Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19)) and all judged according to the thoughts and standards of holy God.
Giving an Account—Getting a Reward
Believers will never have to give account of or answer for their sins, for the blessed Lord Jesus Christ bore those sins on the cross, washing them away in His own precious blood shed there (John 19:3434But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19:34)). Instead, we who have trusted in the Lord Jesus as Savior, will stand before the One Who loved me and gave himself for me (see Rom. 14:1010But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10), 2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10), Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)). We too will give an account, but it will be an account of how we lived our lives for His glory. And then it will be His joy and delight to reward each one for any little thing done during our life that honored and pleased Him.
But how awful it will be for those who, (like the prisoners on Paul's voyage) must give an account for their sins because they ended life's journey still unforgiven by God. We speak of those who have never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. We read of them in Rev. 20:12-1512And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12‑15): "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Oh! What a solemn, eternal judgment awaits the unbeliever, after this journey of life is finished!
God grant that not one who reads this will ever face such an awful time. It need never be, for He offers today a full and free salvation to "whosoever will". Do not go, dear young friend, one step further on life's journey without knowing the joy and peace of your sins forgiven through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)).
A Tested Traveler
v. 2 "And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; [one] Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.”
Here we meet another by name, who went on the voyage with the Apostle Paul, the centurion and prisoners—Aristarchus. He was a dear believer who had already traveled with Paul through several of his journeys. We first hear of him in Acts 19:2929And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. (Acts 19:29). There, he learned what it was to feel persecution from the world for his fellowship with the dear Apostle Paul. "They that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:1212Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)). But, though Aristarchus was made to feel the despising and rejection of walking as a believer in this world, he did not get discouraged. His trial of his faith was very precious, for those trials were used, not only to strengthen him in the path of faith (1 Peter 1:77That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7)), but to cause him to value that which is lasting and eternal (Rom. 2:77To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:7), 2 Cor. 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17)).
Thus, when Paul was a despised prisoner, being sent to Rome to stand before Nero as a criminal, Aristarchus went with him. He had learned to value the truth of God, and in spite of what the world might say or do or think, he would not abandon that precious truth, nor the servant God used as its channel to this world. By his actions, dear Aristarchus plainly said, "to whom shall we go, thou has the words of eternal life" (John 6:6868Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)).
How important that we who are believers in the Lord Jesus, not spurn or turn away from the precious truth of God, though it is despised, rejected, and indeed morally, kept a prisoner in this dark world. Let's cling fast to that precious truth, putting it to practical use every day of our journey. Then, if we suffer persecution, we will have the joy of suffering it in fellowship with our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29), 2 Tim. 2:1212If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (2 Timothy 2:12)). Remember, the devil will seek to make us ashamed of the very truth of God that will preserve us. "I am not ashamed..." (Rom. 1:1616For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16), 2 Tim. 1:1212For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)).
An Unseen Traveler
There was at least one other dear believer who went with the Apostle Paul on this journey. Though his name is not mentioned, we know well who he was—the beloved physician, Luke. He is the unseen recorder, guided by Divine inspiration, to record the Gospel of Luke as well as the book of the Acts. The events the Spirit of God has seen fit to record, both of the life and times of our blessed Lord Jesus, and then of the acts of the Spirit in the formation and early history of the assembly, were not only written for Theophilus' profit, but for the blessing of all (Luke 1:33It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, (Luke 1:3), Acts 1:11The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (Acts 1:1)) who read them.
Now nearly 2,000 years later, the life's journey of each person is also being unerringly recorded by an unseen Recorder. He faithfully and unerringly makes note of every thought, word, and deed of each life. Those who end their journey without the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, will have to give account to God for every detail of that Divine, unerring record. (Rev. 20:1212And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)).
At the great white throne (Rev. 20:1111And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11)), the "books" in which those records have been kept, are opened to see if each life was lived in a way which satisfied God's holy nature and standards. Tragically, none who stand there will be able to show by their works that they have earned eternal life. Too late they will realize that all have "sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)) and all their righteousnesses (good works) are as filthy rags before God (Isa. 64:66But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)). Then at the solmen close of each review, the Book of life is opened. The souls who have stood before the great white throne will not hear their name read from the list of the eternally blessed for they cannot be found. Then comes the awful finality of eternal torment as they are cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:1515And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)).
Oh! Dear reader! Before we go further, we plead with you to humbly submit to and thankfully accept God's righteous estimation of you—a sinner, born in sin (Rom. 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)) and practicing sin and in need of His full, free forgiveness and salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16), Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). "Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)).
Courteous Unbelief
v 3 "And the next [day] we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave [him] liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.”
We will look at Julius as a picture of each on the journey of life. He was given the charge of getting the prisoners to Rome safely and he will answer to Nero-Caesars for how he carried out that responsibility.
Julius had to decide how was he going to act towards Paul on the journey. Would he listen to and believe him, or despise him? He is openly courteous towards Paul in just the same way as many who are on life's journey are reverent—courteous, we might say—towards God and towards religion. But though respectful of these things, they do not attach themselves by faith to Christ. Julius was polite to Paul, gave him a certain amount of liberty to have fellowship with his friends, but he was not interested in listening to Paul or going with him.
Dear young reader, it is not enough to be respectful of God and to treat His servants courteously. You must submit your thoughts to God's thoughts. You must, if you are to have a happy life's journey, fully and unreservedly attach yourself to and by faith embrace, the revealed mind of God as it has been given to us in the Bible.
Who Said It Would Be Easy?
v 4, 5 "And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia.”
You won't travel on the journey of life long, before finding that things aren't always easy. When young, living at home and under the care and protection of our parents, we are hid from many difficulties, even as the Centurion and his ship sailed under Cyprus to escape the contrary winds. But, before long, young believer, your faith will be tested by contrary winds and what is important to you, what you are trusting in, will be put to the test.
Julius the centurion wanted to have an easy, comfortable voyage, and he spent some amount of time trying to find a comfortable passage through the seas. How many dear young people do the same as they begin their voyage of life—spending much time trying to find the easiest and most comfortable way through this world—seeking to find the soft, easy winds of popular opinion to sail with, rather than by faith, enduring and moving against contrary winds.
So You Have a Better Idea?
v 6, 7 "And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmon;”
Julius was not happy with the progress his ship was making. Deciding it was time for a change, he chose a ship that came from a city in Egypt (let's remember that in the Bible, Egypt usually pictures the world). Changing ships however, did not change the contrary winds for Julius.
Perhaps this is where you are right now in the voyage of your life. You haven't been satisfied with Dad and Mom's religious ways—nor with the contrary winds they have encountered (see 2 Tim. 3:1212Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)). Perhaps you've decided to change ships—to reach out to the world and find a more comfortable, easy way to get through this life. You may think that the winds will be less contrary if you follow the ways of the world rather than the ways of God that you have been taught in your home and assembly. Be assured that you will not be long finding the winds are still contrary. No one finds that things always go just the way they want in life. It just doesn't happen that way! The answer to these difficulties will not be found in adopting a different ship, a different manner of life characterized by the easy, carefree and Godless attitude of the world. The only safety for life's journey is found in fully obeying the Word of God.
Don't Leave the Place of Safety
v 8 "And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city [of] Lasea.”
Fair Havens—here was a place of safety. I want you to think of Fair Havens as a little picture of blessings of true Christianity. These blessings and safety will be found in Christian homes, the assembly where you live, and in the example of faith of the believers with whom you associate. Also, think of this harbor as a little picture of the Christ of Christianity. The world sees nothing attractive in the Lord Jesus Christ, though it does willingly practice and embrace religion. But Fair Havens was the only place where protection from the coming storms of winter could be found—and it wasn't attractive.
Even if you have not been raised in a "Christian family" dear young reader, if you know the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, then the grace of God has surely brought you, in Him, to a place of refuge from all you are sure to meet on your voyage. Ask Him—He who loves you with a Divine, eternal love—to make His Word good to you, that you might never stray from the place of safety that He has provided. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jer. 15:1616Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)). Oh! do accept the safe shelter of the Fair Havens.
Making Your Own Choices
v 9 "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them" When young it seems that it takes almost forever to get old enough to be able to have freedom and liberty to make our own choices. It as though much time has been spent in your life remaining in the Fair Havens. Don't make the mistake of hurrying to get away from safe, godly environments, just so you can be on your own.
The fast was past. What is that? Simply put, as you grow older there will come a time when parental and other Christian constraints are loosened—those Christian constraints are like a fast. Experiencing new liberty, you may find yourself free and no longer required to deny yourself anything (that's what a fast is all about). But it is at this very point that your journey of life has become most dangerous.
As long as there have been limits (a fast)—bounds of right and wrong imposed by others—you've been in measure, kept from moving according to your own will. You may little realize the wickedness, sorrow and corruption of this present evil world from which these restraining influences have spared you. But now the fast is past and sailing according to your own will is very dangerous.
The grace of God is again displayed at this very critical time. Paul (who has said nothing to this point) admonishes them. He gives Julius a Divinely sent warning. How interested God is in your life's journey dear young reader! He wants it to be a happy, profitable and satisfying trip. So much so that He lovingly warns you—through His Word, through His servants—that your journey, if you continue on it after throwing off all Godly restraint, is sure to end in disaster.
A Solemn Warning
v 10 "And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”
It is easy to imagine how unpopular this warning of the Apostle Paul was to those on Julius' ship who did not find Fair Havens an appealing place. Is that how you react when dad or mom, or other brethren lovingly seek to warn you about your life and ways? Remember that the truth of God is for your safety and protection, though it will not always sound like those good words and fair speeches which deceive the hearts of the simple. (Rom. 16:1818For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:18)). The world looks more inviting, but how much better to be safe than sorry!
The ship in which you take the journey of life is carrying precious lading (cargo). Think of that cargo as being those things which your loving God and Father, who delights to bless, has entrusted to you—faith, hope, love, purity of mind and body... oh! Such precious cargo! But if you disregard the warnings of God's Word through His servants, all of this cargo may be lost in the coming storms of life. The sad results of a course of self-willed disregard for God's Word can very likely cause you to lose your physical purity, mental abilities—can even overthrow your faith, cause your love to grow cold, or extinguish the bright hope which properly belongs to a believer. Though it is certainly true that a real believer can never lose his (or her) eternal salvation, what a terrible price to pay for self-will! Do listen, beloved reader, to the loving warnings God has graciously given, no matter what vessel (person or manner) He uses to send them to you.
A Rejected Warning
v 11 "Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.”
Poor, foolish, Julius! A Roman centurion would normally be a very cautious, though exceedingly brave person. Yet we see that even this courageous, intelligent soldier listened to the wrong advice! His decision to listen to others instead of the Apostle (who was the only channel of truth that was available to him), was going to cost him everything, even the ship on which he traveled. Is that not a very steep price to pay, dear young reader, for not listening to the entreaties and warnings of the God who loves you?
Do not trust in your intelligence or strength in the decisions you make in life. Listen to the One Who is the way, the truth and the life. Will you, like the centurion, loose everything (except your eternal salvation) that God has given for your journey of life, because you listened to the wrong advice?
Who Is Master and Owner?
Who owns you, dear young believer? The world says that you have no owner—you are your own person. That's a horrible lie. Who is it that has redeemed you with His own precious blood? Does He not have the right to give you guidance and instruction? The owner of the ship on which the centurion sailed gave him advice contrary to the servant of God—the Apostle Paul.
Who is your master beloved young reader? The master (or captain) of the centurion's ship—the one responsible to steer it—also refused to listen to the servant of God—he who alone had the wisdom needed to insure a safe journey. Is Jesus Lord of your life?
If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, He ought to be treated by you in view of what He is—Master and Owner of your ship. Sad to say, there are many believers who have truly trusted in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to wash their sins away, and yet, strangely, refuse to allow Him to be Lord of their life. They would rather listen to themselves—would rather take the place belonging to the ship's master.
Do you want to have supreme authority in your life, or are you willing to submit your will to the perfect will of Another, and allow Him to really be the Master of your life? Your happiness is at stake.
God who has created and saved you is your rightful Owner. But, have you adopted the humanistic philosophies of this present world which teach you to look within yourself to find sources of power, wisdom, and satisfaction (see 2 Peter 2:11But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1))? We live in a world that demands liberty and freedom—a world that refuses to own its responsibility to God. To whom will you listen? Lifetime and eternal issues with irreversible consequences hang in the balances of your answer.
The Majority Is Wrong!
v 12 "And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.”
Fair Havens, the place of safety that God had allowed that little ship to reach, did not look like a pleasant, comfortable place to spend the winter. Maybe it didn't have enough movie theaters, sports stadiums, shopping malls, exciting places to visit, or fun, attractive people. Whatever it lacked, the majority on the centurion's ship decided it was not there they wished to spend the coming dark, cold months of winter. They were not looking with the eye of faith.
What Do You See?
To the natural eye, true Christianity—and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ—never appears to be an appealing way to spend one's life. The world's false glitter and colorful, sparkling excitement, while only a cover diguising the dark realities of sin, appear far more inviting then the bold truths of Christianity.
What truths? This world is a scene of death—a place of winter. In reality there's nothing here morally that can sustain life. On the contrary, everything is marked by the stark, cold reality of death.
What does your eye see, dear young person? Faith sees the glory and beauty of Him who is chiefest among ten thousand—altogether lovely, while it sees this world for what it really is—an empty, barren wilderness that is guilty of His murder.
But perhaps the only wilderness and dry desert you see, is instead within the assembly or in your Christian home. You long to break free of the safe haven provided by home and assembly. Free of them like Demas (2 Tim. 4:1010For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10)), you begin to search for something more attractive, interesting, and satisfying in this present world.
His Summer in the World's Winter
Oh! Do not allow the blessed Christ and real Christianity seem like a dull and boring place to spend the winter which marks the world through which you pass! You hear many false, catchy sayings—"Life is short, play hard"—"Live the moment"—"This is your world, make the most of it"—"It's your life, enjoy it to the fullest". What folly! What falsehood these things present!
If you listen to them, your heart will surely grow as cold as the wintertime. Seeking to find something apart from Christ to warm and satisfy, your every natural sense and yearning does what the more part advised the centurion to do—leave the safety of Fair Havens and seek for a more pleasant port to spend the winter.
However, something more pleasant, more exciting, more satisfying than the Christian pathway cannot be found. Do you think, that He who suffered those agonies and forsaking of God on the cross in order that He might redeem you and have your company for all eternity, will give you less joy and less happiness than this poor, judgment bound world can give? Such reasoning is Satan's lie. He tells you the grass is greener on the other side of the fence—Christianity is a hard, cold, boring path. You will miss out on all the fun and excitement available in the world. It is all a horrible, deadly lie.
To which will you listen?—the Son of God who left paradise and eternal bliss to die on the cross that He might have you as His own special treasure—or—the angel of light, a liar and a murderer, whose object is to ruin the joy and testimony your life can render for the Lord Jesus Christ. "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)).
"It Seemed so Right”
v 13 "And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.”
In over 30 years of teaching I have known many students who listened to the enemy's advice, and though still young in years, were already paying a high price for doing so. How often I heard a tearful student say, "It seemed so right...it seemed like it was everything I had dreamed about, everything I had ever wanted...it felt so good".
They had left the safe, constraining influences of their Fair Havens and had reached out and taken what looked so attractive and promising. The result was suffering horrible pain and sorrow. How many promising young lives, have been mined, marred, soiled, scarred because they would not stay within the constraints of Fair Havens.
When those first exciting steps away from Fair Havens were taken, everything did seem wonderful. Freedom, joy, happiness, contentment...the south wind surely seemed to be blowing softly. Things couldn't be better. That's often the experience of those first few tentative steps away from the safety of Christian homes, assemblies, and the Divine protection of the Word of God. When those things are initially left, seeking a wider more pleasant journey through life, the south wind may very likely blow, lulling you into a false sense of well-being and security.
Self-will never feels wrong at the very first. But there are sad consequences just around the corner when guided by your will.
"It Felt so Good”
Those with Paul in the centurion's boat thought that they had gained their purpose, because of the initially pleasant atmosphere. All was calm, quiet, and lovely. Much nicer and more pleasant than the boring, dull harbor at Fair Havens. They even stayed close to land—close by Crete, and in doing so, no doubt felt very safe as well.
The word Crete means "fleshy". And this—seeking to satisfy the flesh—is the very thing, beloved reader, that will bring disaster in your life's journey. If you know Christ as Savior, then know that the flesh (which can never please God-Rom. 8:88So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)) was put to death at the cross. I am crucified with Christ...In my flesh dwelleth no good thing (see also Rom. 7:55For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (Romans 7:5)). But the flesh still demands satisfaction if we do not daily reckon it to be where God has placed it—dead and in the grave. It will always demand that your life be charted close to it—so it can always be fed and sustained. Don't listen!
The Word of God tells us to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. Sin in all of its corrupting ways, is not to reign in our mortal body. But if Christ is not really the Master and Owner of your ship, then every day of your life's journey will be spent seeking to satisfy the cravings of the wicked and hopeless flesh in you—leaving you in the end, empty, unsatisfied and shipwrecked.
Disaster Strikes!
v 14 "But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.”
The tempestuous wind—no doubt what we would term a hurricane—hit the Centurion's ship suddenly and unexpectedly. One moment all was calm and sunny with the south wind blowing gently. No indication of impending doom. Then, without warning the storm hit in all its fury. There was no slow build up of raging waves and winds—it was calm, clear and gentle one moment, and a raging storm was upon them the next. There were no more warnings, for they had refused to listen to the warnings of Paul.
Dear reader, this is exactly what you will face in your life's journey, if you disregard the truth of God. He has warned you through His chosen servants—the Word of God, the circumstances of life, or parents, Christian friends, or brethren. To disregard God's loving and solemn warnings is to, without fail, end up in a disastrous storm. "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." (Prov. 29:11He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)) Oh! dear reader! Consider well and soberly the awful consequences of having and doing your own will, in direct opposition and disobedience to the will and Word of God.
Out of Control
v 15 "And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.”
Many have listened to the world that encourages them to do things their own way—do whatever pleases them. Ever since the garden of Eden, man has rebelled against God, spending life's journey going his own way and doing his own thing. That is the normal course and desire of fallen man. But when a soul is saved and has made the Lord Jesus Master (Lord) of their life, then the safe and joyful path is truly saying each day, not my will but thine be done.
Yet, sad to say, how many dear young believers (and older ones too!) have traveled life's journey according to their own thoughts, desires, and will. Unexpected storms—serious difficulties, trials, pressures—will always come (God will not continue to allow a dear child of His to live happily in self will and disobedience), and the ship is caught. The so called freedom and liberty of will is suddenly, harshly swept away—and the sad realization comes—"I'm not in control of my life anymore!". "all we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way. (Isa. 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)).
What a terrible price to pay—to realize that self will has brought storms of difficulties, which cannot be controlled. Finding that they cannot face life's storms brought on by self-will and refusal to stay in Fair Havens, believers have to give up and let her drive. It is no longer their will that is directing events, but the will of forces out of their control—how solemn.
Beloved young reader, this is what comes of refusal to listen to God's loving warnings. The freedom of will that may have seemed so pleasant, so desirable, only brings you a storm in which your life is out of control, and all of your efforts are found unable to regain what has been lost. Oh! do not leave the safe harbor, the restraining influences that Christianity has exerted in Fair Havens. Remain there and seek grace to submit to His perfect, loving will for your life.
The Bill for Self-Will
v 16 "And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat (we were with difficulty able to make ourselves masters of the boat—(JND. trans.):”
Though the harbor at Fair Havens had appeared harsh and unappealing to the majority of those on the centurion's ship, staying there would have insured something they quickly lost in the storm—rest and peace. The Lord Jesus lovingly entreats each, come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)). He is, we might say, the perfect fulfillment of what Fair Havens suggests—the One Who has perfect rest, peace and love for those who will come to and stay with Him.
We read in Isa. 53 that when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him. With the natural eyes, the Lord Jesus Christ appears unattractive to the heart—it is only with eyes anointed by faith that we see that He is truly our Fair Havens. The only One in whom we can find true rest, real peace, and lasting comfort.
But now, these who were in the middle of a storm that they could not face, have no time for rest, comfort or ease. It is only with great difficulty and lots of hard work that they are able to gain apparent control of the ship. But at what a cost to the ship.
How expensive it becomes for those whose self-will have taken them away from the protecting care and comfort of the Lord. It takes much work—time, effort, finances, emotional and spiritual toll—to try to gain control of a life that has gone out of control in life's storms.
May we say lovingly and beseechingly to each reader—freedom from the perceived constraints of Fair Havens is not worth what it will cost you.
Useless Work
v 17 "Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quick sands, strake sail, and so were driven.”
Often when believers find themselves in great difficulties caused by self-will and disobedience, there is an urge to make promises to do better or to be more watchful the next time. Perhaps renewed efforts are made to read the Bible or pray or to be more faithful in attending meetings. All of these things, good in themselves, are examples of the helps and undergirding that those on the centurion's ship used, trying to lessen further damage.
But dear young friend—making resolutions to do better, after the hurt and sorrow your self-will has marked your life—is not the happy and peaceful way to journey. Seeking the Lord's help to please Him before the storms come and so that they do not come, is far preferable.
Imminent Destruction
Those on ship realized that they were being driven (against their will) towards the dreaded quick sands of the North African coast (the area we know today as Libya). Should the ship be caught in that awful trap, no amount of effort could save them from an agonizing death.
Beloved young person why wait until a terrible difficulty in life confronts you, before you realize the deadly dangers and hopeless results of doing your own will—of rejecting the Lordship of Christ in your life? There are no quick sands in the safe harbor of Fair Havens.
Read verse 17 carefully. Do you know what strake sail means? It means that because of the storm, the sail was lowered so it would not be destroyed by the wind. What does that teach us? Why, once they lowered the sail, all hope of making progress on their journey was given up! The control they thought to have over their journey, was now completely gone! If a believer follows a course of disobedience and self-will in life, the ability God has given to make progress in the path of faith, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, to enter in and enjoy all the wonderful promises that God has made us in Christ—all of that joy may be sadly lost.
How sad to have to try to get through the storms and difficulties of life, having lost the ability to move forward—to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:1414I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)).
Frenzied Desperation
v 18 "And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship ("threw the cargo overboard"—JND trans.);”
In spite of all their efforts to save the ship and their lives, the storm only grew worse, proving the utter futility of all their efforts. What was left for them to do? Throw over all the cargo they carried, hoping that the lightened ship could better withstand the storm.
Oh! beloved young persons—consider well what this desperate move means as you think about living your life according to your own will and desires, while disregarding God's thoughts! What sorrow, what loss, what sadness!
Do you remember earlier when we mentioned examples of the cargo that God has given you to carry on life's journey—things like purity, emotional well being, faith, etc.? We shudder to think how many dear believers, in order to try to get through a terribly difficult time in their life, throw some or all of these things overboard. Perhaps these terrible storms of life bring a believer to mistakenly reason that the only way out of the trial is to give up one's purity. Or perhaps the storm is so severe that a believer's faith is overthrown—and such begin to question their salvation.
We are sure that not one of those who urged the centurion to leave Fair Havens in order to find a more pleasant place, thought that doing so would cost them all of the precious cargo that their ship carried. This very thing is seen in the life of dear Naomi in the book of Ruth. There, she and her husband, in order to escape a famine in God's promised land, left and went to the land of Moab. That decision cost Naomi her husband and two sons. What a price to pay for leaving the place God desired them to occupy! Hear her words when, after several years, she is restored and comes back to the land she left—"I went out full and the Lord hash brought me home again empty." Naomi's life was saved, and she was restored back to the Lord. But she lost all of the precious cargo she possessed when she left Bethlehem and followed with her husband, that path of unbelief.
Beloved young reader, listen! The price is far too costly. If you decide to leave the safety of the Fair Havens and move in disobedience to the precious Word of God in your life's journey, you like Naomi, will become empty.
Uncontrollable Damage
v19 "And the third [day] we cast out with our own hands the tackling (furniture—JND trans.) of the ship.”
The storm not only claimed the cargo carried on the ship, it also claimed the furniture of the ship. Besides the precious cargo which God graciously and lovingly has given you, He also has equipped you with the furniture necessary to carry you through life's journey. Perhaps we might think of the ship's furniture as your health, mental abilities, personality, and talents. Thus, the storms that assail one who has moved in direct disobedience to the Word of God, may quickly claim health, emotional stability—all those things needed in order that you might enjoy a happy and fulfilled journey. We say again dear young reader, the price of self-will exacted in life's journey is terrible to consider.
Hopeless Despair
v 20 "And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”
Now everything's gone!—Fun, excitement, peace, rest, cargo, furniture—one thing alone—hope—is left, and now that too is taken away. Please carefully notice the solemn words of Scripture. Hope wasn't lost, it wasn't misused or misplaced-it was taken away. Dear young reader, this is the final, awful price that is exacted from a life lived according to self—will and disregard for God's thoughts. Here it is that the fiery darts of the enemy find their mark in a disobedient Christian (Eph. 6:1616Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)). After everything else had been lost or thrown away, hope, the one thing that those on the ship with the centurion absolutely could not afford to lose—the one thing to which they all were desperately clinging and dared not lose—was taken from them.
There was no sun, no stars, no indication whatever that the storm was lessening. Had they seen even one tiny star or ray of sunlight during those raging nights and days, they could have had the comfort of a little hope. But no, the cost of leaving Fair Havens was only hopeless darkness, wind, and waves.
You may not think that the self-willed decisions you have made during your journey of life will require the giving up or the losing of anything. The world and its angel of light—the god of this world —are masters at hiding the truth—blinding the minds of those that believe not.
Give and Take
Be assured that difficulties in a path of disobedience will surely arise—problems of such magnitude that you won't be able to find any way to solve them. Those things you hold most precious in life, may quickly and brutally be taken away even though you had no thought of giving them up. Cain's world system never gives, never provides lasting hope—it can only take. And it will do so until you have nothing more to give. Then, like the Egyptian servant of the Amalekite (1 Sam. 30:1313And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick. (1 Samuel 30:13)), when you have nothing more to give the world, it will leave you sick and dying—empty and hopeless.
The Fair Havens is where the God of all love, peace, comfort and hope (Rom. 15:1313Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13), Heb. 13:2020Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20), 2 Cor. 1:33Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2 Corinthians 1:3)) dwells. Why would you leave such a safe place and such sweet fellowship (with the Creator God and your Savior!) for the cold, dark, and dangerous waters of the world?
How many poor, deluded people today, wake up with the realization that they have been brought to a place in life where there is no longer any hope. Then, horrible to have to say, having concluded that there is nothing worth living for, they may be driven to commit the ultimate tragedy by taking their life. Oh! May God preserve each one who reads this from such a course!
Would that God stir up each of us, that we not be like those foolish, stubborn sheep that wander away from the blessed comfort, safety and rest that our great, all gracious Shepherd offers His blood bought own.