Title: Leader of the shipwreck/Acts 27:21~25
Contents The leader of the shipwreck/Acts 27:21-25
“Many of them had not eaten for a long time, so Paul stood in the middle and said, “Men, listen to me, and do not depart from Crete… ” (Acts 27:21-25)
There are times when strong winds challenge us as we navigate the seas of the world, such as the vast sea. In times like these, we need leaders who can give us courage and hope. Paul was on his way to Rome with other prisoners to be tried by the Roman emperor. However, the Mediterranean sea at that time entered the winter and the waves were strong.
Paul says that travel is dangerous, so it is better to spend the winter in 'Mihang'. But the words of the prisoner Paul are ignored. Eventually, the voyage was forced. At first, the sea was calm, but as we went out into the middle, we eventually met a big typhoon called 'Yuragulo'.
The ship that met the storm shook like a single-leaf yacht. Also, in verse 20, they had to suffer for two weeks on the sea covered with dark clouds and storms where there was no sun or stars. The fear of death has overtaken them. When a crisis like this hits, people usually lose all motivation. However, Paul proclaims a message of hope at this time, saying, "Be at peace. You will not die." He comforted the sailors by referring to God's promise to spare them, and reassured them with food. Thus, Paul was a prayer activist. How could Paul, a neglected prisoner, be the leader of this shipwreck?
Even in a situation where he was blind and there was no hope of salvation, Paul did not give up and communicated with God and listened to God's voice. Don't forget that the sky gate is always open even if the left and right sides are blocked. Are our families, church communities, workplaces, and countries in trouble? In times like these, we should be able to deliver the words of comfort and hope that God gives us through deep fellowship with God. When that happens, we can live, save others, and save the community we belong to. I hope that you will become leaders of hope like Paul, no matter what situation you are in.