Bible Chapter: Acts 27

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    One thing I know I can say about Paul’s life, it was not dull or boring.  It was filled with amazing challenges and adventure.  Because of his appeal to Caesar he was given into the custody of a Roman centurion named Julius.  They began to sail across the Mediterranean Sea towards Rome.  There were many stops and challenges along the way.  It is important to remember that the only propulsion the ships had was wind. They were at the mercy of the whims of nature.
    Their trip was very slow because of the unfavorable winds they encountered.  They were way behind schedule and it was coming to the dangerous season for ocean travel.  Paul warned them that they should stay where they were for the winter even though it wasn’t the best place.  At least it would be safe.  Unfortunately, no one listened.  When it appeared that they had some favorable weather, they headed out.  It wasn’t long till a very bad storm came and they were in great danger.
    In the midst of this storm the Lord sent an angel to Paul to tell them that, even though the ship would be lost, all on board would be spared.  Paul was finally able to encourage all on the ship to trust God that they would survive.  They spent a few weeks fighting this storm as it pushed them across the Mediterranean Sea.  This chapter ends with the ship breaking up as they approached the Island of Malta.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Life will never be dull if you are working for the Lord.  Christian service (and this does not mean only those in vocational Christian service) brings both challenges and victories.  At times it can be very hard.  I have seen a long list of challenges and spiritual battles.  They can bring discouragement and a desire to find something else to do.  But I know that God knows what He is doing and I must stay the course.  Paul was in the middle of a long adventure he never would have chosen.  Two years of R&R at Caesarea would sound great if it didn’t include being held a prisoner, probably in a dungeon somewhere.  Traveling across the Mediterranean is a beautiful trip.  It is a great body of water.  Except Paul was traveling as a prisoner and the weather was horrible.  Paul kept the faith and trusted God to take him through it all.
    This is a good lesson to follow.  Stay close to Jesus and listen to God’s leading.  The battle is a challenge but we will make it.  Paul kept eternity in mind.  We all need to follow that path.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I’m reminded of an old chorus we used to sing -
With eternity’s values in view, Lord,
With eternity’s values in view.
May I do each day’s work for Jesus,
With eternity’s values in view.
    Paul kept eternity’s values in focus and he had a powerful impact on the lives of many people.  That truth still works.  I can help people by not compromising Biblical truth and keep eternity in focus and view.  The short-term promises of fun and excitement fail to provide what we need.  Responding to the call of sinful pleasure always leaves a person in anguish.  Faithfulness to God’s way leads to an awesome eternity with the Lord.