The Haven of Rest

A Bible Study for Women using the authorized King James Bible, the only inerrant Word of God

By Patricia Dowers

Introduction

We all have pictures in our minds of what a haven of rest would be like. I pray that for you it is first and foremost, the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. If you are trusting Him as your personal Savior, there is none better. On occasion, the Lord blesses us with temporary, earthly havens of rest. Sometimes it is a special place, such as a vacation spot, or a quiet place in your back yard, even a special corner or chair in your home. Any place that lends a temporary rest and healing from the chaos of life or even just the busyness of the day can be restoring.

In this study we will examine an unexpected haven the Lord miraculously provided for the Apostle, Paul on the small island of Melita. Melita is actually another name for the island of Malta, also mentioned in Scripture and located in the center of the Mediterranean Ocean just south of Italy.

Paul had been warned twice by the Lord and the Holy Spirit not to go to Jerusalem because his testimony would not be received, but to go to the Gentiles, instead. Paul would not listen. He was determined to do it his way, come what may. While there, he aroused the jealousy of the Jews in the temple at Jerusalem. A mob was incited to riot and Paul would have been killed but for the quick action of a Roman captain and his band of centurions who arrested Paul and brought him to the castle for his own safety. Please read Acts 21: 30-34 aloud with your group.

After a series of trials and appeals lasting two years, during which Paul revealed his Roman citizenship and appealed to Ceasar (Acts 25:10,11), Paul was finally on his way under guard out of Jerusalem. Even though he had disobeyed, God’s loving hand protected him all through the exhausting ordeal. Paul had been ready to die in Jerusalem for the Lord. The Lord knew Paul would die for Him, but not here and not now. Paul learned a lesson in obedience. Good motives are not good when they are in opposition to God’s will. But God is faithful. Please join me in this study where we learn more of Paul’s adventure and his haven of rest.

Please note: In this study, as in all others, it is important to read all Scripture references for yourself that you may know what God has to say.

Session I

People are all born with unique personalities. We come with certain strengths and weaknesses that will either carry us successfully on our way or create stumbling blocks. Those of us who are trusting the Lord Jesus for salvation and have received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit have God’s help in reforming our personalities for His glory. Still, there are times when it feels like an exhausting, uphill battle.

We see ourselves in so many Bible characters. Paul was brave, yet stubborn. David was loyal, yet impetuous, Naomi was loving but pessimistic. Moses was humble but hot-tempered. Only the Lord can take these complex personalities and mold them into something useful for Him. Please read Jer. 18:1-6 aloud with your group. Here the Lord is speaking of the nation of Israel but the same applies to us, individually.

What did the potter do with the marred vessel in v.4?

What can the Lord do with our own marred personalities?

We find the Apostle Paul, the Lord’s missionary, exhausted after his imprisonment in Jerusalem and humbled by the Lord, placed under guard on board a ship bound for Rome. His request to appeal to Ceasar had been granted. Please read Acts 27: 1,3. The Lord placed Paul in the custody of Julius, a kind-hearted centurion. Can you think of times when the Lord brought someone alongside you during a difficult time? Please share with your group.

The Lord has one more trial in store for Paul on his journey. Paul had warned the shipmasters that they had stayed too long in the last harbor and were risking bad weather. Please read Acts 27: 9-11. What did Paul experience in v.11?

It is so frustrating when our warnings are not heeded. Personally, as a child I was not one for heeding warnings, but for the grace of God, I would not be sitting here writing this Bible study. I am especially frustrated when witnessing to the unsaved and I am not taken seriously. Perhaps you have also had this experience. I have learned that this is a burden I can give to the Lord. Please copy I Cor. 15:58 in the space below.

Acts 27: 14-44 relates the terrible storm that Paul, Julius the centurion the other prisoners, and the mariners faced at sea. This is a gripping event to read on your own or in your group. The Lord is using a dire situation to allow Paul to rise above his spiritual low. In verses 22-25 how did Paul comfort his shipmates?

Who got the glory?

The storm persisted and the ship was stripped to make it as light as possible. Nothing they could humanly do was working. This situation is so reminiscent of life today. We do everything we can and nothing helps and only then we turn to the Lord. Why do we struggle? Our Lord will either calm the sea or save us out of the storm. No one learned this lesson better than the apostle, Peter during his own struggles at sea (Matt. 8:24,25 and 14:30). Why are we prone to trust the Lord last? Would it not be better to trust Him first?

Acts 27:40-44 records the final and perhaps, most frightening peril on this voyage. Ask someone in your group to read these verses. The ship is breaking up and those on board must grab whatever floats and cast themselves into the sea. In v.42 what did the soldiers want to do?

In v. 43 what did Julius, the centurion do.

Land is sighted! Finally, the ordeal is over? Not quite. Please join me in Session II as we explore Paul’s little haven of rest.

Session II

In our last session we left Paul, his captors, the other prisoners and sailors floundering in the sea. Some were swimming and some clinging to boards from the broken ship. They were making toward the coast of the small island of Melita. God had promised Paul that none would be lost (Acts 27:22-24). Looking in on this scene at this moment it is difficult to imagine all would survive.

Our gracious Lord knows exactly how much we can endure before we need rest. When we trust the Lord for salvation by believing He shed His blood on the cross becoming the only acceptable sacrifice for our sin, we can trust Him with every aspect of our lives. He sees every foe and every storm before we do. We may never know how much He diverts away from us but we should be thankful every day for protection from the unseen dangers. When it is God’s will that we pass through the storm He equips us with His presence and sustenance. Let us look at some examples from Scripture. Please read the following passages and identify the danger and the comfort. Take note of the different forms of danger and comfort or deliverance.

Exo. 15:22-25

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

I Kings 19:1-7

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

Dan. 3:19-25

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

Matt. 2:7-15

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

Matt. 14:24-32

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

Acts 12:1-11

Danger:

Comfort or deliverance:

It is so wonderful that the Lord is always ahead of the danger! It is also wonderful that His comfort is always perfect. The only thing we need to do is to trust Him. The Lord can even help us with trusting because He knows in our frail bodies that certain circumstances can be overwhelming.

Perhaps you would like to share one or two of your own “danger/comfort” situations with the group. If you are willing, this can be very affirming. Jot down your notes in the space below.

The Psalms are just full of the Lord’s help in time of trouble. Sometimes they speak of complete deliverance and sometimes a needed place of respite amid the storm. Psalm 46 is a favorite of mine. I have written in the margin of my Bible, “God’s power, provision and peace”. I do not remember where that came from but it is very appropriate. Please read Psalm 46 with your group and copy verse 1 in the space below.

Paul and the ship’s company have now come ashore on the beach of Melita. What an exhausted, bedraggled group they must have been. Does this remind you of some situations, either physical or emotional, that you have survived? Did you wonder how things could get so difficult or out of control? Was it hard to believe the Lord was still in control? I have experienced these situations a number of times and can thankfully testify the Lord’s rest always comes.

Please read Acts 28:1-6 with your group.

How were the people of Melita described in Verse 2? They were _____________ and ____________.

It was still stormy and a fire was kindled for warmth. Paul was stoking the fire (verse 3). This reminds me that even though Christians are experiencing the same difficulties as others, God expects us to be an example of His ministering Spirit by helping and comforting. We, in turn, are comforted by Him. Can you think of some examples in your own life where this was true? If so, please share with your group.

Just when we think our shipwreck experience is bad enough, along comes a viper! When we read verses 4-6, we see there is one more word to describe the people of Melita. They were superstitious.

What did they think when Paul was bitten by the viper?

What did they think when he wasn’t harmed?

Barbarian or civilized, people always want to believe anyone or anything except God is in control. It is the same today. Even Jesus had this experience when he walked on earth. Please read John 10:31-39 with your group.

Join me in Session III to see how the Lord used Paul on Melita, the little haven of rest.

Session III

Paul and all of his marooned shipmates have found a restorative welcome among the people of the island of Melita. Please read Acts 28: 7-10 with your group. Here we are introduced to Publius, the chief man of the island. What does verse 7 tell us that Publius did for these men?

What was his attitude?

I am sure Publius had not planned on hosting such a large group in need of everything. Some may even have been sick and wounded from their ordeal in the sea. Providing a haven of rest for Paul and his company was probably a burden for Publius but he performed it willingly and courteously. Our God is the Father of multitasking. He never does anything in isolation. Sometimes we are called on to be the provider and sometimes the receiver. We need to learn to do both graciously because both are God’s will. We can be sure He has lessons for us in both situations. Let us look at some similar situations in Scripture.

Please read the following accounts in Scripture:

Exo. 2:15-21

Who was Moses fleeing?

Who provided a safe haven?

Josh. 2:1-6

Why were the two spies in jeopardy?

Who provided a safe haven?

I Kings 17:1, 8-16

Why was Elijah in need?

Who provided a safe haven?

Acts 9:8-19

Why was Saul in need of a safe haven?

Who provided a safe haven?

These are just a few of so many examples of God’s provision for His people in time of need. I hope you will see some consistencies in each. First of all, God used people to provide safety even though He, Himself directed the circumstance. It is so important to allow ourselves to be used of Him.

Another consistency is that those who allowed themselves to be used of God to provide a haven of rest even when it was a hardship, were in turn, blessed by God. How wonderful to be used by a God who delights in rewarding us in ways we cannot imagine!

There are also many examples in Scripture of God’s miraculous, direct provision. In I Kings we see Elijah being fed by the ravens. In Matthew we read of the angel appearing to Joseph in a dream telling him to escape with his young family into Egypt. Try to think of some others and share with your group. Jot down your examples in the space below.

Let us return to Publius, the chief man of Melita. In Acts 28:8 Publius had a concern. What was it?

It is interesting but also typical that Paul was given a ministry even while he was being ministered to. Remember that God has shown us what a multitasker He is. Acts 28:8 tells us that Paul prayed, laid hands on the sick man and healed him. Scripture does not say that Publius asked for this healing. It probably did not occur to him that it was even possible. Please copy Eph. 3:20 in the space below.

Of course, this miraculous event spread like wild fire around the island and verse 9 tells us Paul had the opportunity to heal many others. Although the Bible does not say so, I am sure, by Paul’s reputation, he would not have done this without giving God all of the glory and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. This is such a reminder to us to be sure to give all the glory to God when he uses us to provide relief for others. Satan will try, when we are being appreciated, to appeal to our own sense of vainglory and pride and leave God out. We never want to give him the victory when all glory belongs to God.

I am sure this was also a temptation for Paul because verse 10 states that they were honored with many honors. Remember, Paul may have been the only believer among the survivors or perhaps, one of a few. I am sure there were many who were only too happy to take these honors for themselves. Sometimes non-believers reap the rewards of God when they are not deserving but their rewards are only temporary. Our rewards are permanent and reserved for us in glory. Please read II Cor 4:17,18; Phi. 3:20,21; and I Pet. 1:3-5 aloud with your group.

Please join me in the next session as we see Paul back on the sea on his way to Rome.

Session IV

The people of Melita, Paul’s haven of rest, provided shelter and hospitality to the marooned travelers for three months. Please read Acts 28: 11-16 aloud with your group. We read in Acts 28:10 that they were even sent away with provisions. These people who were considered barbarous (Acts 28:2) behaved more civilized than most. Could it be that God had softened their hearts for this specific purpose? God has often softened the hearts of typically hardened people to provide rest and sanctuary for His people. Please read the following passages and identify who needed help, who provided help and what was provided.

Gen. 39:20-23:

Who needed help?

Who provided help?

What was provided?

Dan. 1:8-16:

Who needed help?

Who provided help?

What was provided?

Acts 16:23-34

Who needed help?

Who provided help?

What was provided?

There are times when the Lord uses our own to come along side. In Acts 28: 14 and 15 we read that Paul was refreshed on his continued journey from port to port by other believers who were not afraid to identify with a prisoner of Rome or to offer sustenance and hospitality. In these situations, not only were Paul’s physical needs met but the needs of his heart and mind as well. Verse 15 tells us Paul did two things when he saw the brethren at Appii. What were they?

Only God knows the needs of our bodies, minds, and hearts every moment. He is always out in front preparing the way if we only trust Him. He is the true Haven of Rest in every situation and for all eternity. Sometimes in our exhaustion and confusion we forget that precious promise. Please copy Isa. 41:10 in the space below. This is only one of so many verses in the Bible where God reminds us to lean on Him.

Paul has a long upward climb ahead of him in Rome but he knows he can trust the Lord to meet all his needs all the way to his reward in glory. Instead of being thrown in prison to await trial, verse 16 tells us Paul is put under house arrest with one soldier to guard him. He is free to receive visitors and letters and write the many Holy Spirit-inspired epistles of the New Testament. Paul’s imprisonment resulted in our spiritual education and haven of rest in God’s Word. Below is a familiar hymn written in 1885. I believe we need to sing it more often to remind us of God’s precious Haven of Rest. Please ask someone in your group to read the words aloud. Take special notice of verse 4. These words are such a comforting thought for reminding each other of all we have in Jesus.

The Haven of Rest

Henry L. Gilmour, pub.1885

1. My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice”;
And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!

2. I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

3. The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have
A home in the “Haven of Rest.”

4. How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”

5. Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
And say, “My Beloved is mine.”

Refrain:
I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

Until next time I pray you will join me in finding new strength in …

The Haven of Rest