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
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