Jew into a
world citizen and a missionary. What did he realize as he looked into
the pallid faces of those death threatened men about him? He forgot
all about their being heathen. He only remembered that they were one
with himself in their common danger and their common need. They were
all threatened with death. They all needed somebody to save. And, men
and women, that is true still. We folks differ in many respects, but
we are all alike in this: We have all sinned and we all need a Savior.

He not only saw that they were one in their needs but that they were
also one in their hopes. He realized what we have been so long in
realizing, and that is the oneness of the race. He came to know, even
in that distant day, that since we are one body, one member could not
suffer without all members suffering with it. He faced the fact that
his own wicked rebellion against God had not only brought wretchedness
upon himself, but that it was bringing it upon all that sailed with
him. No man ever flees from duty without incalculable hurt, not only
to himself, but to others as well.

But, thank God, the reverse is also true. If my disobedience hurts my
obedience helps. If my sin carries a curse my righteousness brings a
blessing. Here is another vessel lashed by a tempest. But the
preacher on board this time is on good terms with his God. Therefore
he puts one hand into the hand of his Lord and with the other he saves
the whole company of two hundred and seventy-six souls that sail with
him. "Be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life
among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel
of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must
be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that
sail with thee."

"How may the sea become calm for us," is the question. Jonah does not
offer an easy suggestion. "Cast me overboard," is the reply. The man
who a few days ago despised the heathen is now ready to die for them.
That shows that God had made him a new man. I know he backslides a bit
later, but he comes out all right in the end.

And, my brethren, God has no other method for stilling seas than that
employed by Jonah. When the tempest of this world's sin was to be
stilled there was no cheaper way than for Christ to allow himself to be
thrown overboard. When Livingstone wanted to still the tempest of
Africa he did not undertake the task f