February 20, 2017: SOAP #2636:  Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 27:33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything.  34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”  35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.  36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.

Observation:   The ship was about to be broken up in the storm.  Paul was not the owner or the pilot responsible for the ship and its crew.  Paul was not the Roman centurion responsible for the soldiers and prisoners.  But prisoner Paul was definitely the leader.  He had heard from the Lord!  He spoke with understanding.  He spoke with wisdom.  He took action.  He set an example for the sailors and soldiers to follow.  He instilled hope and they followed his example.

Application:  Leadership in times of peril does not always come from those in positions of civil or military authority.   God can use a man filled with the Holy Spirit who does not see his circumstances as limitations to the mighty God he serves.   God can use a person who has heard from God and believes that God will do as He says.

Prayer:   Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit and use me for your glory.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!