MONDAY March 4, 2024
Anchors Away
Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 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, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
Acts 27:29-32
A wave of fear once again entered the hearts of the men. The ship was in danger of being pushed by the violent waves onto the rocks. If that happened, it would be all over; the ship would crash and break apart. To avert the threat, the sailors dropped four anchors from the stern, from the rear of the ship, and wished for day to come.
While pretending to drop more anchors from the prow, the front of the ship, they secretly let down the skiff––a small boat attached to the ship. The men had ulterior motives; they were intending to jump ship!
Prior to this, Paul had given them words of such comfort from the Lord, but now he gave the men a warning. There were conditions to be kept if they were to be saved––everyone needed to remain on board the ship. They were to stay together; otherwise, they were all dead men. Paul spoke to the centurion–– “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” In response, the ropes were quickly cut, and the smaller boat was lost to the sea.
Spiritually speaking, how can a person be saved? You cannot jump ship and try by your own efforts to be saved. There are no man-made ways to bring you to heaven! There is only one way, through Jesus Christ. What direction did the Lord give to those seeking salvation? “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus pointed us to Himself!
Anchor your hearts in Jesus Christ. Only in Him can we receive the hope of our salvation.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast....
~Hebrews 6:19~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
