Jul 17, 2009 4 min read

Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 27:1-25. Text: “But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.” Acts of Apostles 27:11-12. This is the second message of our main theme: We sail in our small ships on the rough sea of life. Let us remember the background. Apostle Paul was captured and he appealed to Caesar. Therefore, as a prisoner, he had to be taken to Rome on board a ship. The voyage was dangerous because they had to sail against the wind (4th verse). An important decision had to be made: Should they continue their trip to Rome or wait for more favorable weather? SOME OBSERVATIONS AND TIMELY INTERPRETATIONS OF THIS VOYAGE.

1. With birth we inherited two innate forces: The desire to be safe and also adventurous. Watch the little ones (it does not matter whether they are human or animal offspring). The young prefers the closeness and protection of the mother, however, curiosity will make him/her explore unknown territories. As a strange sight is encountered, the little one runs back to mother to be safe, but as the danger disappears or is forgotten, the little one will leave mother again to find new adventures.

Can we interpret this phenomenon in this way: Christianity represents safety as worldliness does risk? By no means! There is no exploration, progress, growth or mission work without taking calculated risks. Not every ship will sink and not every one will arrive. To follow our Master means, since I am sure about my salvation, I can be bold and courageous to take a trip, explore new territories, and try out new methods. Would have Christianity been spread if the apostle had not preached the gospel and martyrs had not sacrificed their lives? The real blessing is to know which project is worth taking the risk, and how great will the gain or loss be if the project succeeds or fails?

2. A decision has to be made. But let us see who was involved in the policy making process to decide. Shall the ship continue its trip to Rome or not?

– The centurion (see our text) – who represents Rome, the political force.

– The captain – who symbolizes the skilled person, experience and knowledge.

– The owner of the ship – who stands for the investment, profit, business.

– The majority – who act in the name of the people and practice democracy.

Here we are, the political force, the opinion of the expert, the interest of the business, and the wish of the majority … against all these Apostle Paul stood alone and said: “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.” 10th verse. Today, whose opinion is taken seriously? Is the voice of the church heard and heeded? Whose advice is followed?

3. But take heart, we do not depend entirely on the violence of the elements. Apostle James also knew something about navigation: “Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.” James 3:4.

Not only the wind sets the course of a ship! A small rudder plays an important role. Listen to Apostle James again: “Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.” James 3:4. If you are a good pilot (and who is your copilot?) of a well-built and equipped ship, it is easier to survive a storm.

Let us sail with Apostle Paul and ask ourselves what is the proportion in our lives between safety and taking risk? To whom do we prefer to listen, and are the voices of wisdom heard? Is our ship well built and do we wish to be the only pilot of our ship as we try to overcome all the dangers of a tempestuous sea? Now we can sing this well-known hymn with greater understanding and enthusiasm: “Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal; Chart and compass came from Thee: Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.”

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.