The Prisoner takes Charge

Tuesday   10-27-15  Home in Modesto

Scripture reading:    Job 18     Ps 114    Acts 27-28

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Acts 27:1-2  When the time came, we set sail for Italy.  Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of an army officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment.  And Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us.

Vs 9-11 Paul spoke to the ship's officers about it. "Sirs," he said, "I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on — shipwreck, loss of cargo, injuries, and danger to our lives." But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship's captain and the owner than to Paul.

Vs 31-32  But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, "You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard." So the soldiers cut the ropes and let the boat fall off.  NLT

O.  Paul is now placed in the custody of a commanding Roman officer named Julius, who is supposed to safely escort several prisoners, including Paul, to Rome.  Aristarchus, one of the two boys that the Ephesians had tried to lynch, is still with Paul... and Dr. Luke, who is recording these events first hand, has now been part of the team since Acts 16:10 back in Troas. 

At Fair Havens Paul offers his advice to Commander Julius.  The Roman commander prefers to listen to the ship’s captain and owner.  It is only logical.  Who would take the advice of a prisoner over that of the ship captain?  But 14 stormy days later Paul is giving orders to the commander and captain... and this time they are listening and obeying him.  The prisoner was now in charge. 

What made the difference?  They all now knew that Paul’s judgment was wiser than the captain’s.  And Paul boldly tells about an angelic visit during the night.  He speaks with authority.  His word has become respected.  He wasn’t bossy, but he took control and all 276 men’s lives were saved. 

A. The year was 1965.  My family and I were on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean sailing south with 275* aboard.  Yes, I thought of Paul’s ship, with almost the same exact number aboard.  It was late in the month of May.  In the northern hemisphere summer was being ushered in, but when we crossed into the southern hemisphere winter was on the horizon.  And as we were off the coast of southern Brazil and Uruguay we hit a violent storm.  During the night the ship rose high on huge waves and sunk deep into the troughs.  At moments the propellers were exposed and the ship shuddered violently.  Some people were terrified.  But Frances and I and our three little boys knew that God was taking us to Argentina.  We had a word from God.  “Fear not, I am with you.  I have a plan for your lives.  You are going to serve me in Argentina.” 

P.  Thanks, Lord, for Your assurance that we are not alone.  We are sheltered by the One “Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand.” Isa 40:12.  Lord, was the Apostle Paul ever afraid aboard that ship?  Perhaps that is why You send that angel to let him know that no lives would be lost and he would stand before Caesar.  I am often comforted by Your wonderful words, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  Isa 41:10  KJV  Amen.

Ralph

*Aboard the Del Mar ship to Argentina that 275 may have been the number of passengers without the crew... I’m not sure.

I used to play and sing this ancient song as a solo when I was a teenager:

I Will Pilot Thee 

       Though sometimes when my faith would falter, 
       And no sunlight I can see, 
       I just lift mine eyes to Jesus, 
       And I whisper, "Pilot me." 

       "Fear thou not for I am with thee, 
       I will still thy Pilot be. 
       Never mind these tossing billows, 
       Take My hand & follow Me!" 

       Often when my soul's so weary 
       And the day seems just too long. 
       I just look up to my Pilot 
       And I hear this blessed song:

 
       "Fear thou not for I am with thee, 
       I will still thy Pilot be! 
       Never mind these tossing billows, 
       Take My hand & trust in Me!"