LISTEN TO THE WARNINGS FROM THE MAN OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“… Paul admonished them, and said unto them, ‘Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.’  Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.”  Acts 27:9-11 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the acts of the apostles of Jesus, The Christ, as written by Luke, the physician and traveling companion of the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke recorded the events surrounding Paul’s journey to Rome, including the storm that was encountered on the voyage.  Because Paul had requested an appeal from Caesar, Governor Festus handed Paul over to a centurion named Julius and they boarded a ship for the voyage to Italy. (Acts 26:32 to 27:2)  The beginning of the voyage was uneventful.  When they reached Myra in Lycia, they boarded an Alexandrian ship which was sailing for Italy. (Acts 27:4-6)  The voyage from that point was difficult.  When they reached Fair Havens near the town of Lasea, Paul warned them not to continue the voyage. (Acts 27:7-11)  They did not listen to Paul, they sailed on and got caught in a violent storm.  After days of violent battering from the storm, they threw everything overboard and were planning to jump ship. (Acts 27:13-20)  Paul spoke to them again and warned them not to leave the ship.  He said that the ship would be destroyed but they would all live if they stayed with the ship. (Acts 27:21-26)  After two weeks at sea in the storm, they began to approach land.  Some of the sailors, fearing that they would be dashed against the rocks, attempted to escape the ship in lifeboats.  Paul told the centurion that unless they all stayed with the ship, they would not be saved.  This time they listened to Paul’s warning. (Acts 27:27-32)  They cut loose the lifeboats, stayed on the ship, and they were all made it safely to the island even though the ship was broken into pieces. (Acts 27:39-44)

 

APPLICATION

We should listen to the advice from the man of God and heed his warnings.  We could avoid some of the bad things and situations in our lives if we would obey The Word of God.  Not heeding The Word can be bad, but we do not have to continue down that path.  It does not matter how much bad we have done, with the help of The Lord, we can turn our life around.  If we believe and ask Him to forgive us, He is faithful and just, and He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)