January 05, 2013
So Paul was sent to Caeser. Caeser was the Emperor of Rome and the Roman Empire, which at that time was almost all of the known world. It would be a long journey by ship. Julius was an officer in the Emperor's army and he guarded Paul during the long journey. Julius was very good to Paul and gave Paul much freedom. Paul was still a prisoner—yet he was free.
The journey was slow and they sailed for weeks. The trip had taken so long that it had become a dangerous voyage and was almost impossible to continue. The owner of the ship and the captain were in a very difficult situation because they couldn't harbor for the winter where they were. So, despite Paul's warning about the dangers ahead, they decided to push on. God sent them a warning, but they refused to listen and they eventually ended up losing their cargo and their ship.
As they disregarded God's warning and continued their trip, it first appeared as if they had made a good decision. The wind was blowing in the right direction and they thought all was well. But they thought wrong. THE STORM hit. The ship got caught in the wind and they could not sail or steer against it, so they had no choice but to let the wind take them wherever it was blowing. The storm was relentless. They tied ropes around the boat to try and hold it together; they threw out some of the cargo; they threw out the ship's equipment; and they didn't see the sun or the stars for many days. It was a horrible storm and they lost all hope of ever being saved.
God warned them about pursuing this path, but they ignored the warning and went their own way. The men on the ship had not eaten for days. Paul stood up and told them, "You should have listened to me... you should not have sailed... then you would not have had all this trouble and loss. But now I tell you to cheer up because none of you will die. Only the ship will be lost." (Acts 27:21–22) Paul goes on to tell them that an angel was sent to him from the God he belonged to and worshiped. (I like how Paul said, "...from the God I belong to." It clearly shows he understood and accepted the
God
So Paul was sent to Caeser. Caeser was the Emperor of Rome and the Roman Empire, which at that time was almost all of the known world. It would be a long journey by ship. Julius was an officer in the Emperor's army and he guarded Paul during the long journey. Julius was very good to Paul and gave Paul much freedom. Paul was still a prisoner—yet he was free.
The journey was slow and they sailed for weeks. The trip had taken so long that it had become a dangerous voyage and was almost impossible to continue. The owner of the ship and the captain were in a very difficult situation because they couldn't harbor for the winter where they were. So, despite Paul's warning about the dangers ahead, they decided to push on. God sent them a warning, but they refused to listen and they eventually ended up losing their cargo and their ship.
As they disregarded God's warning and continued their trip, it first appeared as if they had made a good decision. The wind was blowing in the right direction and they thought all was well. But they thought wrong. THE STORM hit. The ship got caught in the wind and they could not sail or steer against it, so they had no choice but to let the wind take them wherever it was blowing. The storm was relentless. They tied ropes around the boat to try and hold it together; they threw out some of the cargo; they threw out the ship's equipment; and they didn't see the sun or the stars for many days. It was a horrible storm and they lost all hope of ever being saved.
God warned them about pursuing this path, but they ignored the warning and went their own way. The men on the ship had not eaten for days. Paul stood up and told them, "You should have listened to me... you should not have sailed... then you would not have had all this trouble and loss. But now I tell you to cheer up because none of you will die. Only the ship will be lost." (Acts 27:21–22) Paul goes on to tell them that an angel was sent to him from the God he belonged to and worshiped. (I like how Paul said, "...from the God I belong to." It clearly shows he understood and accepted the
God
↓
Man
relationship and that he was surrendered to the authority of God.) This angel told Paul not to be afraid. The angel said, "Paul, do not be afraid. You must stand before Caeser. And God has promised you that he will save the lives of everyone sailing with you. So men, have courage. I trust in God that everything will happen as his angel told me... but we will crash on an island." (Acts 27:24–26)
The storm raged for weeks. At one point the sailors thought they were nearing land, so they checked the depth of the sea. They went a little farther and checked again. Sure enough, it appeared they were getting closer to land. Some of the sailors wanted to get off the ship. They wanted to be in charge of their own destiny. So they lowered the life boat while they were pretending to put down anchors. Paul saw what they were doing and told the officer, "If these men do not stay in the ship, your lives cannot be saved." (Acts 27:31) So the soldiers cut the ropes and let the lifeboat fall into the water.
That is where God wants us. He wants all of our own safety nets gone. He wants our total dependence on HIM and not on what we can accomplish ourselves.
As I'm writing this, the word "lifeboat" jumps out at me. The analogy of a lifeboat was given to my husband and I years ago (2007) during our daily walks together while we prayed about "the storm." We were just about ready to leave the wooded part where we were walking and enter the open area. It was dark out. We were walking and praying as we did each day when suddenly the analogy of a lifeboat hit me. We stopped right at the edge of the clearing. The picture I saw in my mind was my husband and I in the lifeboat with Jesus. My sister and brother-in-law were floundering in the water. Jesus was extending his arms out to them. All they had to do was reach up and take His hand and He would lift them to safety. But instead of taking His hand and accepting salvation, they kept pushing His hand aside and out of the way. They were so focused and intent on grabbing us and pulling us out of the lifeboat that they only saw Jesus' hands as being in the way even though they were in danger of drowning. Jesus wants us in HIS lifeboat and not our own. He will remove from us whatever it is that is keeping us from surrendering ALL to Him.
That is where God wants us. He wants all of our own safety nets gone. He wants our total dependence on HIM and not on what we can accomplish ourselves.
As I'm writing this, the word "lifeboat" jumps out at me. The analogy of a lifeboat was given to my husband and I years ago (2007) during our daily walks together while we prayed about "the storm." We were just about ready to leave the wooded part where we were walking and enter the open area. It was dark out. We were walking and praying as we did each day when suddenly the analogy of a lifeboat hit me. We stopped right at the edge of the clearing. The picture I saw in my mind was my husband and I in the lifeboat with Jesus. My sister and brother-in-law were floundering in the water. Jesus was extending his arms out to them. All they had to do was reach up and take His hand and He would lift them to safety. But instead of taking His hand and accepting salvation, they kept pushing His hand aside and out of the way. They were so focused and intent on grabbing us and pulling us out of the lifeboat that they only saw Jesus' hands as being in the way even though they were in danger of drowning. Jesus wants us in HIS lifeboat and not our own. He will remove from us whatever it is that is keeping us from surrendering ALL to Him.
Just before dawn Paul persuaded all the people to eat something. It had been fourteen days of waiting, watching, and not eating. Acts 27:34 - "Now I beg you to eat something. You need it to stay alive. None of you will lose even one hair off your heads." When we go through trials, or have been taken into deep waters, we still need to live. When the Israelites were being held captive in Babylon they were told to build houses and settle in the land. They were told to plant gardens and eat the food they grew. They were told to get married and have children. They were told to LIVE even though they were in bondage—BECAUSE—God knew the plans he had for them and it was "... good plans for you, not plans to harm you. I will give you hope and a good future..." (Jeremiah 29:4–14) So Paul took bread, thanked God for it, and began to eat. Soon the others began to eat as well. There were 276 people aboard the ship. When they had eaten all they wanted they began to make the ship lighter by throwing all the grain into the sea.
When daylight came they saw land. They didn't know what land it was but they hoped to be able to sail the boat to the beach. They cut the ropes to the anchors. They didn't haul the anchors back on board. They left them in the sea. They cut the ropes to free the rudders. They raised the front sail and began sailing toward the beach... and then they crashed. The ship hit a sand bank and was stuck. The front of the ship couldn't move. The back of the ship broke apart in the big waves. If they would have made it safely to land using their own efforts and conventional wisdom, they would have thought they saved themselves. God was not going to allow that to happen. He had promised Paul safety for all those on board but it would be done HIS WAY.
The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so none of them could escape. But Julius wanted to let Paul live so he did not allow the soldiers to kill the prisoners. Julius ordered everyone who could swim to jump in and swim to land. The rest were to follow using wooden boards or pieces of the ship to hold them afloat. They committed themselves to the sea—total surrender. Acts 27:44 - "And this is how all the people made it safely to land."
The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so none of them could escape. But Julius wanted to let Paul live so he did not allow the soldiers to kill the prisoners. Julius ordered everyone who could swim to jump in and swim to land. The rest were to follow using wooden boards or pieces of the ship to hold them afloat. They committed themselves to the sea—total surrender. Acts 27:44 - "And this is how all the people made it safely to land."
All 276 of them arrived safely on shore. The land was an island called Malta. The people were very good to them. Because it was raining and cold the people built a fire for them. Paul was helping to gather sticks to put on the fire. A poisonous snake came out of the pile because of the heat and bit Paul on the hand. The people saw the poisonous snake hanging from Paul's hand and they thought, this guy must be guilty and he is getting what he deserves.
I am sure there were plenty of onlookers who looked at us the same way. A lawsuit was filed against us, hmm... I wonder what they did wrong, and we were watched to see what would happen to us. Paul shook the snake that came out of the fire off. (BTW - snakes are like that. When the situation gets hot they strike to try and take advantage.) The people thought Paul would swell up or fall down dead. They waited, and they watched for a long time, but nothing bad happened to him. So, they changed their minds.
They were welcomed into the home of an important man on the island. This man's father was ill and Paul healed him. Paul healed other people on the island as well. They were there for three months, and were well taken care of. I love how God works the circumstances they were in for good even though the disobedience of others is what put them shipwrecked on an island. After the three months they got on another ship and continued the journey to Rome. God used other believers to encourage Paul along the way, and Paul thanked God for them.
They finally arrived in Rome. Paul was allowed to live alone with the soldier who guarded him. Paul sent for the leaders and told them what had happened—he had done nothing wrong but was arrested and turned over to the Romans. He explained how he was questioned, but they could find nothing wrong. The authorities wanted to let him go, but the evil people argued against it, and that was why he was now in Rome.
Paul was falsely and wrongly accused, yet he sought no revenge against those who were seeking his life. Acts 28:19 - "I have no charge to bring against my own people." (We are not seeking any revenge or damages from my sister and brother-in-law even though we have also been falsely and wrongly accused.) Paul was in prison because of his beliefs, not because of his actions. The people were interested in hearing about Paul's beliefs. A date and time was set to meet. They gathered together and Paul shared with them from the prophet's writings. He explained the kingdom of God, and told them about Jesus. Some believed—and some did not.
Not everyone will believe. It was Paul's responsibility to tell God's Truth. It is ours as well. It was not Paul's responsibility if some chose not to believe. It is not our responsibility either. Paul quoted to them what the Holy Spirit spoke to their ancestors through Isaiah the prophet.
What a journey Paul had. What a journey we are on.
It was six years ago today that I met Jane (Her Name Was Jane) for the first time.What an amazing divine appointment orchestrated by God. There will never be enough human words to adequately express our praise to the Lord of lords and our gratitude for ALL HE HAS DONE! Psalm 8:1 - "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is YOUR name in ALL the earth..." The best expression of our thanks it not words, it is our actions. We must BE! We must live our lives pleasing and obedient to HIM. Then (and only then), can HE receive all the Honor, Glory and Praise due HIM!
God has provided many insights to us along this journey. One insight he has not provided is how this journey is going to end. We know the end result. God promised us His protection through Jane's lips when she told us to read Psalm 140. That is a done deal. When God says "I will"—He does. What we don't know is the how. Will we go to trial or not? We don't believe it will go to trial, but it may. Will the lawsuit be dropped? Will my sister and brother-in-law be like the Saul of the Old Testament or become like the Saul/Paul of the New Testament? Will the judge make a ruling? Will it continue in limbo for many more years? How will God make sure that only HE gets the Honor and Glory? I don't know, but it will be interesting to watch and see.
What we do know is this: God is our protector—and that is enough! Paul's years in prison were not wasted years. They were years of earnest seeking, meditation, and quietness. And from that time came the books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
Addendum: 3/16/16 ~ God has a purpose and plan. HIS will—will be done and HIS story—will be told. The Jews were out to kill Paul but God's plan was to get HIS story out, and He did. Paul was able to tell others about Christ because of the circumstances surrounding him, not in spite of his circumstances. Paul was right where God wanted him. It is just amazing to look at all the opportunities Paul had to share the Way of Jesus with the crowds and those around him, many of which he would have never had the opportunity to come into contact with in any other way. No matter what your circumstance, you will ALWAYS have the opportunity to share Christ. Wow!
As I was writing these verses Paul quoted from Isaiah 6:9–10, a brand new thought came to my mind.
The only ones they are fooling is themselves. They most certainly are not fooling God. Refusing to see or hear does not change TRUTH. Oh, what a dangerous path to pursue.
Next Entry: Romans 1:1–32
I am sure there were plenty of onlookers who looked at us the same way. A lawsuit was filed against us, hmm... I wonder what they did wrong, and we were watched to see what would happen to us. Paul shook the snake that came out of the fire off. (BTW - snakes are like that. When the situation gets hot they strike to try and take advantage.) The people thought Paul would swell up or fall down dead. They waited, and they watched for a long time, but nothing bad happened to him. So, they changed their minds.
They were welcomed into the home of an important man on the island. This man's father was ill and Paul healed him. Paul healed other people on the island as well. They were there for three months, and were well taken care of. I love how God works the circumstances they were in for good even though the disobedience of others is what put them shipwrecked on an island. After the three months they got on another ship and continued the journey to Rome. God used other believers to encourage Paul along the way, and Paul thanked God for them.
They finally arrived in Rome. Paul was allowed to live alone with the soldier who guarded him. Paul sent for the leaders and told them what had happened—he had done nothing wrong but was arrested and turned over to the Romans. He explained how he was questioned, but they could find nothing wrong. The authorities wanted to let him go, but the evil people argued against it, and that was why he was now in Rome.
Paul was falsely and wrongly accused, yet he sought no revenge against those who were seeking his life. Acts 28:19 - "I have no charge to bring against my own people." (We are not seeking any revenge or damages from my sister and brother-in-law even though we have also been falsely and wrongly accused.) Paul was in prison because of his beliefs, not because of his actions. The people were interested in hearing about Paul's beliefs. A date and time was set to meet. They gathered together and Paul shared with them from the prophet's writings. He explained the kingdom of God, and told them about Jesus. Some believed—and some did not.
Not everyone will believe. It was Paul's responsibility to tell God's Truth. It is ours as well. It was not Paul's responsibility if some chose not to believe. It is not our responsibility either. Paul quoted to them what the Holy Spirit spoke to their ancestors through Isaiah the prophet.
Acts 28:30–31 - "Paul stayed for two full years in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to visit him. He boldly preached about the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, and no one tried to stop him." Not exactly what his accusers expected to happen to him."Go to this people and say: You will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn, because these people have become stubborn. They don't hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might really understand what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds and come back to me to be healed." Isaiah 6:9–10
What a journey Paul had. What a journey we are on.
It was six years ago today that I met Jane (Her Name Was Jane) for the first time.What an amazing divine appointment orchestrated by God. There will never be enough human words to adequately express our praise to the Lord of lords and our gratitude for ALL HE HAS DONE! Psalm 8:1 - "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is YOUR name in ALL the earth..." The best expression of our thanks it not words, it is our actions. We must BE! We must live our lives pleasing and obedient to HIM. Then (and only then), can HE receive all the Honor, Glory and Praise due HIM!
God has provided many insights to us along this journey. One insight he has not provided is how this journey is going to end. We know the end result. God promised us His protection through Jane's lips when she told us to read Psalm 140. That is a done deal. When God says "I will"—He does. What we don't know is the how. Will we go to trial or not? We don't believe it will go to trial, but it may. Will the lawsuit be dropped? Will my sister and brother-in-law be like the Saul of the Old Testament or become like the Saul/Paul of the New Testament? Will the judge make a ruling? Will it continue in limbo for many more years? How will God make sure that only HE gets the Honor and Glory? I don't know, but it will be interesting to watch and see.
What we do know is this: God is our protector—and that is enough! Paul's years in prison were not wasted years. They were years of earnest seeking, meditation, and quietness. And from that time came the books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.
Addendum: 3/16/16 ~ God has a purpose and plan. HIS will—will be done and HIS story—will be told. The Jews were out to kill Paul but God's plan was to get HIS story out, and He did. Paul was able to tell others about Christ because of the circumstances surrounding him, not in spite of his circumstances. Paul was right where God wanted him. It is just amazing to look at all the opportunities Paul had to share the Way of Jesus with the crowds and those around him, many of which he would have never had the opportunity to come into contact with in any other way. No matter what your circumstance, you will ALWAYS have the opportunity to share Christ. Wow!
As I was writing these verses Paul quoted from Isaiah 6:9–10, a brand new thought came to my mind.
"Go to this people and say: You will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn, because these people have become stubborn. They don't hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might really understand what they see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds and come back to me to be healed." Isaiah 6:9–10;In the past, when I have read these verses (and others like them), I have always thought it meant that because of their refusal to surrender they were blinded and could not hear or see truth. But this time as I was reading them I realized there is another explanation as well. They don't hear, and they don't understand, because they don't want to hear and they don't want to understand. IF—they heard, and IF—they understand, THEN—they would have to make a choice. They would either have to:
- Change their hearts and lives and get a new way of thinking, OR
- They would have to openly defy what God is saying and admit they are shaking their fists in the face of God.
The only ones they are fooling is themselves. They most certainly are not fooling God. Refusing to see or hear does not change TRUTH. Oh, what a dangerous path to pursue.
Next Entry: Romans 1:1–32
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