10 "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disas-trous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to ourown lives also."
11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paulsaid, followed the advice of the pilot and of the ownerof the ship. - P137
Paul and some other prisoners are handed over to a centurion named Juliusfor their journey to Italy. The winds make it a difficult journey, and Paul warnsthem that the voyage will bring great loss to their ship, cargo, and their ownlives. - P137
The centurion ignores him and decides to sail on. - P137
What the Lord foretold back in Acts 23:11 is finally coming to pass:Paul will testify to the truth of the gospel in Rome. - P138
And although thefulfillment of this promise came about in an extraordinary way, themeans to achieve the task will include some ordinary things like seatravel. - P138
What stands out in this passage is the fact that a Christian‘s faithis lived out in the context of everyday circumstances. Walking with theLord to achieve the extraordinary commission of making disciples ofall nations includes ordinary tasks like working, eating, socializing, andcommuting, all the while staying obédient to our Lord‘s commands aswe navigate through the mundane. - P138
A time reference is given for the events in this passage: the Day ofAtonement, which places them between late September and October,
when sea travel in these parts was deemed dangerous. - P138
Paul leans towardcaution while the pilot and the owner of the ship, perhaps with financialconcerns in mind, opt to go on sailing. Although Paul is on a divine as-signment, his life appears to be in the hands of unwise authorities whosechoices are guided by worldly interests. - P138
But we must remember that allauthority is established by God, and He always works according to Hisperfect counsel. So even when those in authority make bad decisions,
we can trust that God‘s purpose still stands. - P138
In the midst of the worst evil,
You are always in charge. Help me to trust You in all circumstances. In Jesus‘
name, amen. - P138
Father, we remember that You ordained the death of Your Son to bring aboutthe salvation of many who would believe in Him. - P138
22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, be-cause not one of you will be lost; only the ship will bedestroyed.
23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belongand whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Donot be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar;and God has graciously given you the lives of all whosail with you.‘ - P143
25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith inGod that it will happen just as he told me.
26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."
irland" - P143
The men struggle to keep the ship afloat amid a hurricane. The storm is soviolent that the men begin to throw cargo and tackle overboard. - P143
Everyoneloses hope of survival, and they go a long time without food. Paul stands upand tells the men to take courage because an angel appeared to him and toldhim that they will all live. - P143
The gamble to sailon does not pay off. A storm called the Northeasterstrikes. Its violence chips away at the ship, its cargo, and the hopes ofthe crew to make it to land. - P144
But amid the disaster, one prisoner seemsunbothered. A different kind of anchor holds him secure. Paul knowsthat God‘s plan to have him stand before Caesar cannot be thwarted bya storm and he holds onto his Lord‘s unchanging promise. - P144
Christianscarry an immovable hope as they navigate through the Northeastersof this life. And no political failures, financial recessions, or naturaldisasters can rob us of this hope. - P144
However horrific and numerous thedevastations we may face, we tighten our grip on the promise that thereis something greater coming for those who hold fast to Christ. - P144
Whenthis age is done, His promise is to wipe away all our tears and to makeall things new. - P144
|