The shipwreck
Day 530, Friday, Jan. 23
Acts 27:27-44
After Paul’s assurance that everyone will be saved, the crew and even the centurion responsible for the prisoners seem to accept him as a leader of sorts. When some of the ship’s crew plan to escape from the ship using the lifeboat, Paul tells the centurion and soldiers that the men must stay with the ship to be saved. They believe him, and cut the lifeboat adrift.
The people on the ship had not eaten since the violent storm began, but now Paul urges them to eat to keep their strength up. Again, his advice is heeded.
While Paul’s advice to people to eat is probably purely practical, the language the author uses to describe the meal calls to mind the sacrament of Communion: “After [Paul] said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
When daylight comes, they cut the anchors loose and head for a beach they see. The ship hits a sandbar and runs aground before reaching the beach, but it is close enough that all are able to either swim to shore or float ashore on debris from the ship.
The soldier plan to kill the prisoners to keep them from escaping, but Paul’s life is again saved by the action of a Roman official. The centurion, who has already shown kindness to Paul, stops the plan to kill the prisoners.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Friday meditation

Psalms 68:28-35
Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!

Prayer focus
Scatter the nations who delight in war. Protect us from danger wherever it comes from and guide us in your path.