God’s Promise and Our Responsibility

Introduction

Chapter 27 in the book of Acts is a very exciting chapter.

It’s very much like a sea adventure.

Paul and 275 other people are crossing the Mediterranean Sea by boat.

It is during the winter months where there are strong winds and storms that even the most experienced sailors would not travel during this time of the year.

Paul is being taken to Rome to present his case before Cesar and the other prisoners are probably going to be taken to the Roman Coliseum to entertain people as they are put to death by wild animals.

The situation becomes so dreadful that Luke tells us:

Hechos de los Apóstoles 27:20 NIV

20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

The storm clouds are so thick that our travelers have not seen the sun or the stars for many days.

Remember that in ancient and modern times people have used the position of the stars to sail across the sea.

I can just imagine the 276 travelers:

Seasick - they’ve probably been throwing up constantly.

Hungry - they have not eaten. In v. 33 we learn that they have not eaten for 14 days.

Scared - they don’t know where they are, when the next storm will hit, or whether they will hit a sand bar or reef which will could completely destroy the boat.

Wet - they are probably extremely cold from their clothes constantly being soaked from either rain or seawater.

God’s Promise

In the midst of all this chaos and danger, God’s angel appears to Paul and gives him a very comforting word, which Paul then goes on to share with his fellow travelers.

Hechos de los Apóstoles 27:23–25 NIV

23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

The angel communicates two promises from God:

Paul - you will arrive before Caesar and present your case before him. You will not die in the storm - you will surely make it to Rome.

Everyone else - you all will not die, your lives will be spared, you all will make it to dry land.

Just imagine what a great blessing it was for Paul to hear God’s promises to him and everyone else that was afraid for their lives.

Remember that God is always faithful to his promises - God keeps his word.

Números 23:19 NIV

19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

The Bible is full of many other promises that God gives to his people.

Isaías 41:10 NIV

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomio 31:8 NIV

8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Jeremías 29:11 NIV

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romanos 8:28 NIV

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I would encourage you to do a focused study of the Bible and highlight or circle the promises of God that you find and you will be amazed at how many there are.

Man’s responsibility

Something very interesting happens in chapter 27.

Hechos de los Apóstoles 27:30–31 NIV

30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

Some of the men wanted to escape from the ship in the lifeboat to save their own lives.

It’s hard to blame these men after all they have been through - they see an opportunity to escape and they take it.

However, Paul says - these men will die if they do not stay on the boat.

This scene teaches us an extremely important lesson.

God gives promises to his people but we are are also responsible for our actions.

If these men would’ve gone on the lifeboat, they absolutely would’ve died - despite God promising to stay save their lives.

In other words, their actions had to be aligned with God’s command, they were not free to do as they desired.

They were responsible to walk in God’s will or face the consequences.

The lesson to us is:

Yes, there are many promises that God makes to his people.

But, we cannot simply be spectators and expect things to happen to us:

Some of us want to make a good living in their chosen career - and we know that God promises to give us wisdom and sometimes allows his people to prosper so they can be a blessing to others - but we are not responsible - we are not serious about our school work, we are not taking the necessary steps to learn a trade or finish a degree.

Some of us want to find a godly husband or wife - but we are willing to seek God so that we can also be a worthy godly husband or wife.

Some of us want to be in better shape or health - but we are not willing to put in the effort or develop the discipline to achieve these goals.

Ultimately, we are responsible for our actions.

We must trust in God’s promises and align our lives according to God’s word so that we can enjoy and see the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives.

…we fail at this time and time again, but the wonderful news is the God is merciful and compassionate and always willing to forgive.