January 14, 2013
Matthew 14
Acts 27
Acts 28
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What hit me today...
Today we wrapped up our first book. Acts is officially in the rear view mirror.
The last few chapters of this book are very emotional for me. I've really grown attached to Paul and I know he is headed to Rome to die.
The shipwreck story in Acts 27 fascinates me. So much detail.
I always get a kick out of the fact that Luke so matter of factly states that they did not listen to Paul's advice in verse 11:
But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.
I imagine myself on the Titanic, going up to the bridge and telling the officer at the helm that he might want to slow down I bit. I sense there might be icebergs out there. After all, pastors know these things, right? Do you think at this point they thought Paul was a little bossy and a little wacky?
Then Paul comes back after the storm hits and says, "Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss." I suspect they started to listen after that.
This verse grabs my throat (27:20):
The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
I know they are talking about a literal storm, but life feels that way sometimes, doesn't it? A storm in life lasts just a little too long, no sun, no starts...until at last all hope is gone.
Paul comes back with the response that we need during these seasons of dread:
So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
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