Have you been wondering what is the right choice to make about something or other? A wrong choice can result in serious problems later on as we will hear in today’s reading. But we will also discover something that should help you to make the right choice today.
Paul’s journey to Rome was as a prisoner, in the charge of Julius, a Roman centurion. (verse 1. Acts 23:11.)
Paul was a trusted and respected prisoner, and Julius even allowed him liberty to visit his friends while their ship was in Sidon. (verse 3.)
You see, true Christians are taught to respect the authorities around them. (Romans 13:1-7.) If you are a true Christian then you should be a good and obedient citizen - even when you are unfairly treated because of your faith in Jesus. (1stPeter 2:19-25. 3:13-18. 4:12-19.)
Storms at sea made their journey very difficult. They made slow headway for many days … the wind did not allow they to hold their course … With difficulty they came to a place called Fair Havens …” (verses 7-9) “Paul warned them: ‘Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” (verse 10)
What would Paul, a tent-maker, know about sailing? Those who knew Paul knew he listened to, and obeyed, his God. (Acts 26:19.) Surely Paul’s warning should be taken seriously.
But, are we to take seriously everyone who claims to speak for God?
NO! God warns us that even a person who can perform miracles, or foretell the future, might have to be rejected by Him. No person is to be trusted, if their influence or example would encourage you to disobey or question God’s Word, the Holy Bible. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Matthew 7:21-23. 24:4-5.)
“The majority decided that they should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.” (verses 11-12.)
So, Paul’s Godly example and warning meant nothing to those around him. They rejected his words - just as others had rejected his preaching about Jesus being the one and only Saviour. (Acts 26:18-25. 13:38-39.)
Don’t you reject God’s message to you about His Son, Jesus Christ. To trust and obey Jesus would be the right choice for you, if you want to arrive safely after the journey of “life” you are on. (John 14:6. Acts 4:12.) Only Jesus Christ can forgive your sins, and bring you safely to God and Heaven. (1stPeter 3:18. Hebrews 7:23f.)
By ignoring the warning God gave them through Paul, they soon had to give up trying to steer or control that ship. In the terrible storm that blew upon them, their ship was wrecked!
Will your “journey through life” be more successful? I hope YOU have made the right choice, and taken God’s Word seriously, by trusting Jesus as your Saviour. He is you only Hope, if you are to reach the safe harbour of Heaven. (John 3:36.)
Read Acts chapter 27, verses 1-15.
For the next reading from Acts of the Apostles go to NEXT
In order to browse further "Good News Compage" prompts and commentaries for Acts of the Apostles go to
Acts COMPLETE index.
---------------oOo---------------