The Cruise Liner
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy,
they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a
centurion of Augustus' band. 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. 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. 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. 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 Salmone;
And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh
whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing
was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
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.
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more
than those things which were spoken by Paul. 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. And when the south wind
blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence,
they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a
tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could
not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. (Acts 27:1-15)
Today’s
Morsel:
Have you ever taken a cruise at sea? What about a cruise through the pages of
the Bible? Can you imagine and picture yourself on some of Paul’s missionary
journeys aboard a ship? How would you like to have been with him on this cruise
heading to Rome? 276 people on board in the middle of a major storm, in darkness
for 14 days straight, nothing to eat, fear on every side, and having to get rid
of your cargo? What a cruise. How do you think you would have responded? You
see, this is what reading the Bible is all about. You must put yourself in the
story and its pages to get a real feel of the truth of the gospel and what it
really means to be committed to Christ to preach the gospel to the whole world.
If you just read to say that you read the Bible through during the year, you
will miss the journey. You must feel what they felt for it to impact you. I
would like to hear what cruise in the Bible you are taking next.
Sing: Well, I’m gonna take a
trip on that good old gospel ship and go sailing beyond the blue. I'm
gonna shout and sing until the heavens ring when I bid this world goodbye.
Thought For
Today:
Sail on.
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