WEDNESDAY February 28, 2024
Tempestuous Seas
When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.
Acts 27:13-16
It was a good day for sailing, the winds blew softly, and all was calm at sea. Instead of sailing on the sea, the men decided to follow close to the shore to keep near the shallows. However, they failed to take into account that if the winds picked up, there was still a great risk of hitting the rocks. They could be shipwrecked very easily.
Sure enough, the weather changed, and a strong headwind, called Euroclydon, arose. This was a northeast wind which came from the Adriatic Gulf. The word Euroclydon means “tempestuous wind.” Literally it was a “typhonic wind” or a typhoon. The ship was no longer controllable, so the best decision was to release the ship so it could be driven by the wind on its own.
On another occasion, the Sea of Galilee was completely calm when the Lord boarded a boat with His Disciples. Suddenly, a great tempest arose on the sea, and the fearful Disciples looked to Jesus to save them. Yet He was sound asleep! When He was awakened, He rebuked His Disciples for their weak faith. Did they not know who was on board the ship with them?
Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea. At His command the storm ceased, and all was calm once more. His disciples were astonished! They questioned among themselves, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:27). Jesus is God. All Creation is subject to Him.
In both of these instances, the Lord was in complete control. In the storms of life you are now facing, know that Jesus is in control. Trust Him for the outcome. He will see you safely to shore.
Fear not the storm, it brings healing in its wings, and when Jesus is with you in the vessel the tempest only hastens the ship to its desired haven.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
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