Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.
Pastor Dick Taylor tells the story of the man who informed him that the Holy Spirit told him he should preach that Sunday. His reply was simply, “Well the Holy Spirit didn’t tell me!” That is a good encapsulation of the tension between human desire and the work of God, the Spirit. How do we tell? The majority view or the feelings of one? That was the question during Paul’s sea voyage to Rome. He “perceived” that sailing at this time of year would be disastrous. He was led by the Spirit but it also happened to be common sense to say they should winter there. The majority view was to try to get to a more suitable place to spend the winter. In this instance, Paul was correct. We are no closer to knowing how to discern the Spirit.
I am going to hazard a guess that what is not mentioned in this episode is important. Paul most likely prayed multiple times that day and specifically on the question of whether to sail. He may have even consulted Scripture. One thing Paul knew for certain. Even though there would be a shipwreck, everything would be alright because in chapter 23, the Lord stood beside him, saying, “Take courage…you must also testify in Rome.” Today, pray for the Holy Spirit’s leading, read the Bible in devotion, and rest assured that the Lord is standing beside you saying…
Take courage.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church