Scripture: vs 21-25, 35, 42-43
[21] Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. [22] Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. [23] For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, [24] and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ [25] So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
[35] And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.
[42] The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan..
Observations:
In the midst of a storm, a literal life threatening storm, and while it was not that he verbally proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ, Paul boldly speaks the Gospel. With an “I told you so” moment, he tells the men on the boat that the past is behind them, that the Lord spoke to him through an angel, that they should listen to him now, and that they have hope. And, in the middle of the storm, ready for more turmoil, Paul gives thanks to God.
Application:
Paul was so good about this – about sharing the story, from his perspective, so others around him could understand. How the Lord spoke with him. How the Lord directed him. How the Lord affected him. And, that the past is the past – time to move on with new hope.
This is another subtle reminder from the Apostle Paul to give thanks to the Lord in all things, even in the middle of a storm, and to tell THE Story from our perspective. How living for the Lord has changed our lives. Paul didn’t come right out and say Jesus loved him enough to send an angel to warn him and to guide and affirm him. He chose words and actions that fit the occasion. The men on the ship knew there was something different about Paul. He was set apart an had hope found only in Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Lord thank You for Your word. Thank You for reminding us that we stand apart with hope in You. Thank You for reminding us that there are many ways of sharing the Gospel and our faith and hope in You. Help us to find the right ways to share Your good news based on the people we are around and any given circumstance. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.