Scripture
“Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead for us if we go on- shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.”
Observation
Finally, Paul and his companions board a ship headed for Italy. As a prisoner, Paul is in the custody of a Roman officer.
As they travel, they face increasingly stormy weather. Paul tells the officers that if they continue, they face shipwreck, loss of cargo and threat to lives.
The officer in charge of the prisoners listens to the ship’s owner and the captain rather than Paul.
Application
It is clear from the narrative that the ship faces adverse weather conditions. It is possible that this is not just a physical phenomenon but a demonic opposition to Paul’s journey to Rome.
Paul tried to warn the officer guarding him and the other prisoners that the consequences of carrying on would be disastrous, but the officer would have thought that Paul was just trying to delay his trial in Rome.
On the natural level, it is understandable that a person would pay more attention to the people of the status of ship’s owner and captain rather than a prisoner.
This is where discernment comes in. Christians have the gift of the Holy Spirit, and if we take time to listen to the Holy Spirit, we can go beyond what is natural and, instead, move in the wisdom of God.
Too often we judge by whatever our eyes and reason tell us rather than listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
We need to learn to listen and trust the “still small voice.”
Prayer
Holy Spirit, teach me how to listen to you, how to discern the difference between godly wisdom and human wisdom. Let me walk in your grace always. Amen.
