Monthly Archives: August 2019

THE BOOK OF ACTS -THEY THOUGHT THEY KNEW BETTER!

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THEY THOUGHT THEY KNEW BETTER!

“We came under the lee of a small island named Cauda, and managed to get a lifeboat ready and reef the sails. But the rocky shoals prevented us from getting close. We only managed to avoid them by throwing out drift anchors. 

“Next day, out to sea and badly damaged by the storm, we dumped the cargo overboard. The third day the sailors lightened the ship further by throwing off all the tackle and provisions. It had been many days since we had seen either sun or stars. Wind and waves were battering us unmercifully, and we lost all hope of rescue.

“With our appetite for both food and life long gone, Paul took his place in our midst and said, “Friends, you really should have listened to me back in Crete. We could have avoided all this trouble and trial. But there’s no need to dwell on that now. From now on, things are looking up! I can assure you there’ll be not a single drowning among us, although I can’t say as much for the ship — the ship itself is doomed.” Acts 27:16-22 (The Message).

Who are the “we” in this story? No doubt it was “all hands on deck” for everyone on the ship including the centurion and the prisoners. Every pair of hands was necessary to save the ship from being dashed to pieces on the island’s jagged rocks. Once they were past that peril there was no letting up because the ship was in danger of sinking in the violence of the wind and waves.

Everyone worked frantically to lighten the ship. No thought now of saving the cargo! There goes all the money they were supposed to be earning, by the foolish chance the captain took! They stripped the ship to the bare bones in the hopes that they could keep it afloat until they hit land somewhere.

All their values shifted in the peril they were in. It was no longer about business. Now it was about lives. It’s a pity the powers-that-be had not considered that in the first place. But it was too late now — a good lesson learned if they ever survived!

Where was Paul in this spell of furious activity? Stripped to the waist hauling cargo? No, Paul had his own work to do. Somewhere on the ship, out of the way of the toiling men, Paul was praying. His work was just as vital as that of the sailors. It took time and effort to engage with the Father for the lives of the people on board. Paul took nothing for granted. Like Moses centuries before, he stood before the Lord in intercession for men who did not deserve His mercy. They were all in it together and together they would live or die.

Some may have looked upon Paul as a shirker. His hands were needed to get the job done as quickly as possible. Some may have even felt resentful towards him. But Paul turned his face towards the Father and, in the midst of the fury of the storm, he grew quiet inside as he focussed on God. Deliberately shutting out every other sound, he listened for the inner voice that would give him clear instruction for the moment.

Since God is everywhere, he knew that God was there. In his heart there echoed the many promises of His word. “When you pass through the waters I will be with you…” Isaiah 43:3a NIV); “…He will never leave you or forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:6c (NIV). In his prayer he appealed to the mercy of God, that attribute that was heaviest in Him. Perhaps he recalled how Moses pleaded for the lives of God’s unfaithful people, undeserving as they were, and prayed for the lives of everyone on board.

The Father graciously heard the passionate cries of His child and into Paul’s heart stole the peace that transcends all understanding, the sure confirmation that his prayer had been answered. With confident steps he returned to the toiling men with the reassurance, “No-one will be lost.” Would they believe him this time?

Once again, God was there to thwart the murderous plot of the enemy to sacrifice the entire crew in order to destroy Paul. His overshadowing protection in spite of the danger would prove to all on board that there is no other God and that He is powerful and full of compassion.

THE BOOK OF ACTS – WHOSE AGENDA?

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WHOSE AGENDA?

“By this time we had lost a lot of time. We had passed the autumn equinox, so it would be stormy weather from now on through the winter, too dangerous for sailing. Paul warned, ‘I see only disaster ahead for cargo and ship — to say nothing of our lives! — if we put out to sea now.’

“But it was not the best harbour for staying the winter. Phoenix, a few miles further on, was more suitable. The centurion set Paul’s warning aside and let the ship captain and the ship-owner talk him into trying for the next harbour.

“When a gentle southerly breeze came up, they weighed anchor, thinking it would be smooth sailing. But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork on the storm.” Acts 27:9-15 (The Message).

It would be natural and easy for us to read this account of Paul’s voyage from a purely human point of view. Winter on the Mediterranean was storm season and to venture out in a sailing ship was madness. The ship captain, ship owner and sailors all knew that. The centurion also knew it, although he was not a seasoned sailor. So why did they try to defy the natural order of things to continue their journey, knowing that disaster was inevitable?

Was it greed that drove them on? To get their cargo to its market meant more money for everyone. That’s logical. To remain in dock for the winter would mean less money — and extra expense for the centurion who had prisoners to feed and accommodate for several months.

Although they knew the conditions of the sea very well, the captain and the ship-owner were fooled into believing that the gentle breeze that was blowing at that moment was the foretaste of a smooth and uneventful voyage. They ignored Paul’s warning. After all, what did he know? He was a preacher, not a mariner! They had yet to learn that he had a hot-line that was prophetic and accurate because God was intimately involved in the destiny of His son, Paul. He had a date in Rome and it was up to the centurion and the ship to get him there safely.

But, as always, there was an enemy with his own agenda, at work in the situation. It was Satan’s plot, no doubt, to send the ship, its contents and it passengers to the bottom of the sea to prevent Paul from ever delivering his message in Rome. Like his Master Jesus, when He was on a mission to deliver a demon-possessed man in the Gentile territory of the Gadarenes, a storm was a good way to get rid of the opposition. It did not matter that a few others not involved in Paul’s mission would perish with him.

It does not necessarily mean that Satan was responsible for creating the storm. Did he have the power to do that? But it does mean that he could easily influence men who did not have the Spirit of God to go against experience and their better judgement for the sake of money. It was not in their heart to heed the warning of a man of God. They chose to press on regardless, playing right into the hands of an unseen enemy.

But not only did the enemy have an agenda. God had one too. He had safely navigated Paul through the stormy seas of Jewish hatred, murderous plots, unjust trials, and vacillating Roman indecision. This was His opportunity to reveal His goodness to godless sailors and even to a heathen island tribe in spite of adverse weather and foolish decisions.

  • Does this not give us hope for ourselves as well? Through and because of these experiences Paul was able to write, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

THE BOOK OF ACTS – NO HOLIDAY CRUISE!

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CHAPTER 27

NO HOLIDAY CRUISE!

“As soon as arrangements were complete for our sailing to Italy — Paul and a few other prisoners were placed under the supervision of a centurion named Julius, a member of an elite guard. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was bound for Ephesus and ports west. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.

“The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently — he let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.

“Out to sea again, we sailed north under the protection of the northeast shore of Cyprus because winds out of the west were against us, and then along westward to the port of Myra. There the centurion found an Egyptian ship headed for Italy and transferred us on board. We ran into bad weather and found it impossible to stay on course. After much difficulty, we finally made it to the southern coast of Crete and docked at Good Harbour (appropriate name).” Acts 27:1-8 (The Message).

This was no pleasure cruise for Paul and his travelling companions! The centurion could not Google “Computicket” and book a ticket to Rome, luxury class, for himself and his prisoners, and enjoy the hospitality of the captain and crew, gourmet meals and first class entertainment during the voyage!

The best he could do was to hitch a ride from port to port on cargo ships manned by rough sailors. He had to find ships that were going along the route to Rome which meant searching for another one every time they reached the next stage of their voyage. These cargo ships probably had no facilities for passengers and, worst of all, passengers would be in the way in port during the loading and offloading operations.

The favour of God was on Paul because the centurion in charge obviously realised that he was no dangerous criminal looking for an opportunity to make a break for it as soon as they hit land. He trusted him enough to allow him to disembark and spend the time in port with friends rather than remain on board in the noise and confusion of offloading cargo.

On top of that they were at the mercy of unfavourable weather. It must have been autumn, when the sailing season was almost at an end. Winter on the Mediterranean was not an appropriate time to go sailing, as they were to find out through a stubborn captain! They had to endure rough and dangerous seas in their effort to get to Rome.

Once again Paul and his company of loyal companions faced the hazards that were part of the package of life. They were not immune to the trials of living in a fallen world. God’s promise was never to protect them from trouble but to be with them in trouble. They had to endure the discomfort of violent storms, howling wind, pounding waves, sea sickness, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst and the frantic efforts of the sailors to keep the ship afloat and on course while they watched – a most distressing scenario.

On top of that they were in the company of rough, crude sailors whose language and behaviour could not have been conducive to a restful time en route. It was fortunate for Paul that he was not alone. He had the comfort of like-minded travelling companions who loved the old man and were there to care for him during this trying time.

All of these circumstances were adding up to a life rich in the wisdom and experience of God’s grace. Where he had been was nothing compared to where he was still to go. He could not share the preciousness of life “hidden with Christ in God” had he not been in every place in life where he found this to be true. The more adversity buffeted him, the more he mellowed in the powerful presence of his Master.

It was out of the severity of experiences like these that he could write, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that nothing…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37a, 38b (NIV).

THE BOOK OF ACTS – DID GOD MESS UP?

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DID GOD MESS UP?

“But Agrippa did answer: ‘Keep this up much longer and you’ll make a Christian out of me!’

“Paul, still in chains, said, ‘That’s what I’m praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me — except, of course, for this prison jewellery!’

“The king and the governor, along with Bernice and their advisors, got up and went into the next room to talk over what they had heard. They quickly agreed on Paul’s innocence, saying, ‘There’s nothing in this man deserving prison, let alone death.’

“Agrippa told Festus, ‘He could be set free right now if he hadn’t requested a hearing before Caesar.'” Acts 26:28-32 (The Message).

What frustration! Why did Paul have to go and appeal for a hearing before Caesar? He could have walked out of there that day a free man. He was jumping from the frying pan into the fire! Caesar meant Nero! Nero meant God-hater, crazy, bully, murderer! What justice would he receive from him, especially when there was no legitimate charge against him?

Had God made a mistake this time? The timing of Agrippa’s visit could have been changed. Why did he not visit during Felix’s governorship and hear Paul’s case then? If only! If only! It sounds so familiar, doesn’t it? Do we not react like that when we land up in a frustrating situation that could have been so different if only…?

It all depends on whose viewpoint we take. God said to Paul, ‘Rome!’ Because it was part of his package Paul said, ‘Yes, Lord!’ This was no surprise to him. The fact that he was declared innocent after his appeal did not frustrate him like it is frustrating us. No, He didn’t mess up. God’s plan was right on track — Rome at Rome’s expense because God wanted Paul to stand before Nero.

But, why Nero?  God knew very well that Nero would never respond positively to Paul’s message. In fact, He knew that Nero would condemn Paul to death! He should have sent Paul scurrying in the other direction, as far from Nero as he could possibly get. But that is not God’s way. He was not out to save Paul’s bacon. Nero had to be given the opportunity to make his choice, just as Felix, Festus and Agrippa and all the august assembly that heard Paul that day.

This is the mystery of God’s ways. Although he did not know it, in Paul’s package was a violent death at the hands of a cruel and unscrupulous king. But in the mercy of God, He had to give Nero an opportunity to hear the truth about Jesus and make a decision which would affect his eternal destiny and Paul was the one He chose to do it.

As far as Paul was concerned, he had accepted without reservation his package for life, no matter what it held for him. He died on the day he met Jesus. His life was no longer his to control. He belonged to Another and he was at His beck and call to carry out His command.

Think of the benefits to every succeeding generation of Paul’s incarceration in Caesar’s palace in Rome. How many letters did Paul write from his prison cell, chained day and night to a Roman guard? What treasures of truth he learned in those lonely and uncomfortable days and nights which he generously imparted to the many believers he had left behind on his travels in Europe and Asia! How much poorer would we be without Paul’s experience and wisdom to which we have access two thousand years later!

Did God mess up? Definitely not! He knew what He was doing when Paul could have been set free but was sent to Rome to face Nero!

THE BOOK OF ACTS – CRAZY OR CONVINCED?

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CRAZY OR CONVINCED?

“That was too much for Festus. He interrupted with a shout: ‘Paul, you’re crazy! You’ve read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space! Get a grip on yourself; get back in the real world!’

“But Paul stood his ground. ‘With all respect, Festus, Your Honour, I’m not crazy. I’m both accurate and sane in what I’m saying. The King knows what I’m talking about. I’m sure that nothing of what I said sounds crazy to him. He’s known all about it for a long time. You must realise that this wasn’t done behind the scenes. You believe the prophets, don’t you, King Agrippa? Don’t answer that — I know you believe.'” Acts 26:24-27 (The Message).

Why did Festus react so violently to Paul’s story? Did Paul sound like a crazy man? To a Roman who was steeped in the bizarre and ridiculous beliefs of his idolatrous religion, for a human being to be executed and then to rise from the dead, and then actually to appear and speak to the man who stood before them who was willing to lay down his life for what he was saying, was beyond reason. Did Paul really expect them to believe his story?

What if it were true? What were the implications for him? Brush Paul off as out of his mind and he could escape the obligations this testimony laid on him. Festus’ reaction is often the reaction of people who do not want God to intrude into their lives with His requirements. They have no interest in living in harmony with their Creator. “Get rid of His witnesses and then I don’t have to worry about what He says. I can make Him go away if I silence the voice that speaks of Him.”

Unfortunately for Festus, Paul was not a lone voice in bearing witness to the Messiah who came from God, laid down His life and then rose from the dead. For many centuries before it happened the Hebrew prophets spoke of the event as a fait accompli — and it was because, from God’s point of view, it was finished from before the foundation of the world.

Paul was not speaking of something brand new. He had stepped in time into the plan of God which was conceived and effected before time began. Festus could shout and scream and call him names but that did not alter the truth that Paul was declaring before this august assembly.

The Jesus whom the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman soldiers thought that they had safely disposed of was the Jesus who had stood before Paul in His risen glory to rescue him from his self-destruction and send him out as one of those he had so vehemently despised to carry His message to the ends of the earth. Paul had no option but to explain why he was on this apparently suicidal mission. It was not his idea. He had been chosen and commissioned to do it and he had accepted the package.

Paul appealed to King Agrippa. He was fully conversant with all the facts. He was an authority on Jewish affairs. Perhaps this was Agrippa’s moment to put it all together and to realise that Paul was speaking the truth.

In the environment of Governor Festus, blinded by his pagan outlook on life, Agrippa and Bernice, arrogant and pompous regents of an out-of-the-way and obscure province in the Roman Empire, and all the glitterati in Caesarea, Paul preached the gospel of the risen Christ who outshines and outlives all.  These so-called intellectuals refused to believe the truth but they gladly swallowed any old bumph dished up to them in the guise of religion as long as it left them alone to continue in their inflated opinions of themselves and their perverted way of life.

That was their choice. What’s yours?