Paul's Submission to God's Love
Acts 27: 21-26 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island."
Do you believe love is a feeling? What do you feel like when you are "in love" Have you ever considered love to be more to be an action verb rather than a description of of emotion? I suspect Paul was not leaning on emotion or feeling to determine his next course of action. Paul would have probably felt betrayed, belittle, and bewildered, but that does not seem to effect his behavior to those on the ship in crisis.
When we think of the love of God assume some kind of all covering warm feeling of security. Submission to God's love has to be shown to others to be genuine love of God. Paul's submission in this crisis shows God's love by his focus on others rather than himself and his comfort.
Paul's submission was shown by his stay close to God during the crisis. Unlike Jonah who was also in a ship in crisis, he ran from God's presence and he had to be compelled to even to pray. What selfishness to rest, sleep and seek one's own comfort the priority. Paul on the other hand made prayer for others and guidance of service. He was not afraid to reveal to others about his relationship to an all powerful God who is up close and personal. Many times all that we do is complain, blame, and fight for survival. When we face hardship God should be the first and only destination for the telling of grief and seeking of wisdom.
Paul's submission was shown by his meeting the physical needs of his shipmates. When facing stress and conflict the natural response is to seek one's own welfare. To horde all resources, and work for number one. The world would tell us if we don't care for ourselves, who will? Again Paul does just the opposite. When he sees that the others have been so distraught by disaster he appears ready, willing and able to meet the need of food and comfort to them above his own. When it is easier to run and self-protect, God is well pleased when His love to us is transferred to serving others when all others do not.
Paul's submission is shown by his meeting the spiritual needs of his ship mates. It is all well and good to strive for the physical comfort of others. However, that is an incomplete mission at best. What good is it to comfort in this life and leave eternity of hell and suffering in that persons future. Paul bravely mixed the Gospel and worship of God with the meat that he dispensed. It is certainly more desirable to present the God to the lost by first showing the concern for their physical comfort. It was the way Jesus did his ministry. But as Jesus is heal and comfort He also made sure He never neglected what His true purpose was to "seek and to save..."
Love is without a doubt and action verb, that when performed God's way can lead to good feelings. Truly the Love from God was not meant for our security alone but to be channeled from God through us out to others around us. And there is no better time to do this than when others are complaining, hurting, and even rebelling authority.
Next: Paul's Submission to God's Promises
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 2
Paul’s Submission to God’s Leadership
Act 27:9-12 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “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.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
As we continue to explore the Christian response to crisis, we look again at Paul's behavior during a disastrous trip in the Mediterranean Sea. We see Paul sharing with the Centurion and the captain of the ship about the trip that they plan to proceed. In this event we see at least four aspects about the Christian's view to leadership in crisis and what to do when one disagrees with the leadership one serves. First, Paul submits to leaders who are not as spiritual as he is. It seems to be part of the American way of thinking to distrust leadership. We seem to especially distrust it if the leader is not a Christian, or at least as "separated" as we are. If the leader does not fit into our preference view of what a leader should be then we think we are less accountable to him/her. If anyone could claim a high spiritual plain it would be Paul. Here was the writer of most of the New Testament, a builder of local churches, and a winner of souls to Christ. He even told his followers to follow him as he followed Christ. He did not throw his spiritual weight around. He did not even fuss when his advice was not heeded. Many today get all frustrated with leaders and claim a better way, but Paul shows the better way is submission of spiritual status.
Second, Paul was submissive to the leaders even when he may know more. Paul was no stranger to sailing. As a matter of fact, this would not be his first ship wreck. Although, he was treated like an ignorant novice, Paul could see the physical signs of bad weather. He knew by experience what could take out a ship, and leave it's crew for dead. Yet as I mentioned before, Paul did not fuss, fight, or gossip about how inept the leaders were for not listening to him. At the time that I am writing this entry, a commercial aircraft had crashed into the Hudson River. The miraculous part about this that no one died nor seemed badly injured. The main reason for this is given to the captain and crew for their quick thinking and action. Very true! However, let's also give credit to the submissive passengers who did not second guess, rebel, or get offended in the ordeal. Just one rebellious passenger could have caused alot of damage and maybe loss of life. Many a crisis can be overcome by this submission.
Finally third, Paul was submissive to leadership just because God put them there as his leaders. If God is sovereign like I wrote in the previous entry, then the leaders we have are not accidental, or unfortunate. God has place that boss, that husband, father/mother, and even president in that position for His purpose. The bible teaches that unless the leader is violating scripture, follow ship is mandatory. Paul himself taught in Romans 13 that God takes submission to leadership seriously. yo the next time we feel like the boss is unqualified, or that husband is an idiot, or that parent doesn't understand, remember God put them there for you and how you will respond is not only accountable to the leader but also to God Himself.
God just does not seem to be a big fan of rebellion. Too many times in the bible we are commanded to obey Him through obeying our leaders. Nothing overcomes, and glorifies God in an crisis more then when submission is shown to the leadership.
To be Continued: Paul's Submission to God's Love
Act 27:9-12 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “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.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
As we continue to explore the Christian response to crisis, we look again at Paul's behavior during a disastrous trip in the Mediterranean Sea. We see Paul sharing with the Centurion and the captain of the ship about the trip that they plan to proceed. In this event we see at least four aspects about the Christian's view to leadership in crisis and what to do when one disagrees with the leadership one serves. First, Paul submits to leaders who are not as spiritual as he is. It seems to be part of the American way of thinking to distrust leadership. We seem to especially distrust it if the leader is not a Christian, or at least as "separated" as we are. If the leader does not fit into our preference view of what a leader should be then we think we are less accountable to him/her. If anyone could claim a high spiritual plain it would be Paul. Here was the writer of most of the New Testament, a builder of local churches, and a winner of souls to Christ. He even told his followers to follow him as he followed Christ. He did not throw his spiritual weight around. He did not even fuss when his advice was not heeded. Many today get all frustrated with leaders and claim a better way, but Paul shows the better way is submission of spiritual status.
Second, Paul was submissive to the leaders even when he may know more. Paul was no stranger to sailing. As a matter of fact, this would not be his first ship wreck. Although, he was treated like an ignorant novice, Paul could see the physical signs of bad weather. He knew by experience what could take out a ship, and leave it's crew for dead. Yet as I mentioned before, Paul did not fuss, fight, or gossip about how inept the leaders were for not listening to him. At the time that I am writing this entry, a commercial aircraft had crashed into the Hudson River. The miraculous part about this that no one died nor seemed badly injured. The main reason for this is given to the captain and crew for their quick thinking and action. Very true! However, let's also give credit to the submissive passengers who did not second guess, rebel, or get offended in the ordeal. Just one rebellious passenger could have caused alot of damage and maybe loss of life. Many a crisis can be overcome by this submission.
Finally third, Paul was submissive to leadership just because God put them there as his leaders. If God is sovereign like I wrote in the previous entry, then the leaders we have are not accidental, or unfortunate. God has place that boss, that husband, father/mother, and even president in that position for His purpose. The bible teaches that unless the leader is violating scripture, follow ship is mandatory. Paul himself taught in Romans 13 that God takes submission to leadership seriously. yo the next time we feel like the boss is unqualified, or that husband is an idiot, or that parent doesn't understand, remember God put them there for you and how you will respond is not only accountable to the leader but also to God Himself.
God just does not seem to be a big fan of rebellion. Too many times in the bible we are commanded to obey Him through obeying our leaders. Nothing overcomes, and glorifies God in an crisis more then when submission is shown to the leadership.
To be Continued: Paul's Submission to God's Love
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 1
Acts 1:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.
Welcome to 2009!! What a year 2008 was. For me the year dealt in change of job, rearrangement of schedule, loss and gain of church members, and even an addition of a second car. For all of us a new president, disappointment in the Chicago sports teams, higher and lower gas prices, and an economy that ended the year worse than it started. Albert Molher's blog capsulizes 2008 best with "Ten for the History Books from 2008"
For most people, entering into the new year is dominated by the old pocketbook issues: what is the economy going to do? will I be able to keep up with rising prices? will I be able to pay for health care? will I keep my job? I am certainly not a prophet able to predict the future, nor an economist, who probably can't predict it either. Will this year be a economic crisis? Or even a national security crisis like 9/11? We certainly not only ponder these things but it is echoed by tv, radio and those around us.
So what's a Christian living the everyday life to do? This entry is part 1 of a 5 part series about what to do in crisis. The Apostle Paul in Acts 27 could not have been in anymore crisis. Being on a ship for over 2 weeks in storm and stillness. Helpless in every possible physical way. Yet victorious in the midst of crisis. In this entry we are going to look at:
Paul's Submission to God's Sovereignty
First we see Paul submitted as a prisoner. The Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary evangelist, church planter, and problem solver a prisoner. If there ever was a man could brag, and project himself to higher prestige it was Paul. I believe he was an ambitious man who submitted his goals, dreams and desires to the will of God. Sometimes people base comfort and security in a lifestyle, or status rather than how God will lead a life. Is God powerful and concerned enough to lead your life? Paul thought so.
Second, Paul submitted to God's timetable. This trip to Rome that Paul was on must have been taking forever. One ship to another to a long stay in a particular city. If Paul was an American he would have been pulling his hair out. We as American are so weak in this area. We want instant gratification in almost all areas of life. But God does not work that way. This crisis was going to play out on God's time not Paul's or any one else. Maybe the economy will be a problem all year. Maybe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will last long than President Obama promises, only God knows because He is in control.
Third, Paul submitted to whatever conditions he live in. Whether in prison or on a ship I have to believe it got really hot, cold, wet, dry, and overall uncomfortable. Hunger, sickness, and insects were probably more common than steak, soft sheets, and heating/air conditioning. Paul was not as concerned about how comfortable he was as to what God was doing at particular time. We love material comforts and confuse them with needs. And even if we are concerned with needs, we are still forgetting about not just what God is able to for us, but also we forget what God is expecting from us.
Finally, Paul submitted to the fact that God just might know more than he. Paul did not spend much time trying to second guess God on what He should be doing. Paul believed and submitted to God being smarter. And if smart then know best. And if knowing best, then doing best.
Yes submission ( the deliberate yielding of rights) is the key to handling the crisis for the Christian.
Next: Paul's Submission to God's Leadership
Welcome to 2009!! What a year 2008 was. For me the year dealt in change of job, rearrangement of schedule, loss and gain of church members, and even an addition of a second car. For all of us a new president, disappointment in the Chicago sports teams, higher and lower gas prices, and an economy that ended the year worse than it started. Albert Molher's blog capsulizes 2008 best with "Ten for the History Books from 2008"
For most people, entering into the new year is dominated by the old pocketbook issues: what is the economy going to do? will I be able to keep up with rising prices? will I be able to pay for health care? will I keep my job? I am certainly not a prophet able to predict the future, nor an economist, who probably can't predict it either. Will this year be a economic crisis? Or even a national security crisis like 9/11? We certainly not only ponder these things but it is echoed by tv, radio and those around us.
So what's a Christian living the everyday life to do? This entry is part 1 of a 5 part series about what to do in crisis. The Apostle Paul in Acts 27 could not have been in anymore crisis. Being on a ship for over 2 weeks in storm and stillness. Helpless in every possible physical way. Yet victorious in the midst of crisis. In this entry we are going to look at:
Paul's Submission to God's Sovereignty
First we see Paul submitted as a prisoner. The Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary evangelist, church planter, and problem solver a prisoner. If there ever was a man could brag, and project himself to higher prestige it was Paul. I believe he was an ambitious man who submitted his goals, dreams and desires to the will of God. Sometimes people base comfort and security in a lifestyle, or status rather than how God will lead a life. Is God powerful and concerned enough to lead your life? Paul thought so.
Second, Paul submitted to God's timetable. This trip to Rome that Paul was on must have been taking forever. One ship to another to a long stay in a particular city. If Paul was an American he would have been pulling his hair out. We as American are so weak in this area. We want instant gratification in almost all areas of life. But God does not work that way. This crisis was going to play out on God's time not Paul's or any one else. Maybe the economy will be a problem all year. Maybe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will last long than President Obama promises, only God knows because He is in control.
Third, Paul submitted to whatever conditions he live in. Whether in prison or on a ship I have to believe it got really hot, cold, wet, dry, and overall uncomfortable. Hunger, sickness, and insects were probably more common than steak, soft sheets, and heating/air conditioning. Paul was not as concerned about how comfortable he was as to what God was doing at particular time. We love material comforts and confuse them with needs. And even if we are concerned with needs, we are still forgetting about not just what God is able to for us, but also we forget what God is expecting from us.
Finally, Paul submitted to the fact that God just might know more than he. Paul did not spend much time trying to second guess God on what He should be doing. Paul believed and submitted to God being smarter. And if smart then know best. And if knowing best, then doing best.
Yes submission ( the deliberate yielding of rights) is the key to handling the crisis for the Christian.
Next: Paul's Submission to God's Leadership
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