Chaplain Paul

March 26, 1997

Chaplain Paul

Acts 27:9-11,14,22-24

Chaplain Paul Advised (V.9-11) Paul advised the Centurion and the Captain. Paul wasn't in the position to advise anyone; he was a prisoner! His say was not considered. The Centurion believed the other men instead of Paul (v.11, NKJV 1). As Christians we must operate in this world without fear of intimidation. Peter and John were bold in the face of those who violently opposed them. Peter and John stood up and declared that "...we ought to obey God rather than men." (ACTS 5:29b, NKJV ). You may find yourself in the same position that Paul, Peter and John found themselves in, but by yourself. Many times you may find yourself outwardly opposed and among many who may not hold you in the esteem your fellow Christians do. God leads you just the same, and as believers in Christ Jesus, we must obey God rather than men. We as Christians in the world hold a great responsibility as advisors, as lights shinning into the darkness. Jesus said, "...I am the light of the world: he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life, (John 8:12, NKJV ). Paul tried to warn them in the ship that this voyage would be devastating at this time. They didn't listen to Paul, but Paul didn't just tell them, I told you so when they ran into troubled seas.

Chaplain Paul Comforted (V.14,22-24) Paul experienced the same strong winds, the same tossing of the ship as the others when they experienced the euroclydon storm in the Mediterranean sea. Paul experienced days of this storm. I'm sure it seemed endless, but he knew that he would not perish in this storm he had assurance from God that he would see Caesar (v.24, NKJV ). If the Captain would have taken Paul's counsel the ship would have been all right and so would the cargo, but now what! They were now facing an Euroclydon. This storm descended violently upon the helpless crew and the small group of passengers going to Rome.

  I have experienced several of these Mediterranean storms while I was stationed aboard a Navy Frigate. We were taking thirty-eight degree rolls. One day a workbench that was welded to the deck broke loose from its welds chased me across a room. I was thrown across the room into a corner wedged between a large computer and another workbench. The work bench that was chasing me slammed up that large computer and the other workbench and saved me from being crushed. The storms are fierce.

I know that the boat that Paul sailed on was much smaller than the Navy Frigate I was on. It was probably tossed unmerciful by the waves and the wind! Paul was with the men on that boat, but he just didn't say I told you so, but he went a step further, he comforted them. He told them that they would not loose their lives, (V.22,NKJV ).

When there are people around us that are going through storms in their lives we can comfort them. We can share the assurance that comes from a firm trust in our Lord. We as Christians in this world can testify through the storms we have sailed through in our own lives that Jesus is the only one that can really calm them. Just as Jesus did when sailing with the disciples "...And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm." (Luke 8:23-24, NKJV ) "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17,NKJV ). Paul comforted the crew by sharing God's word with them, (v.22-25, NKJV ).

The loss would be only the ship and the cargo, only material loss, not the loss of souls. Material possessions are not valuable. In this world we should value above all the souls around us. Some of those souls are in a dark and empty storm if they don't know Jesus. If they have not trusted in His work on the cross for their eternal life they are being tossed about and are afraid!

Paul ministers to the crew by making them eat, for strength, but we notice that they all pray first (v.34-36, NKJV ). There were two hundred and sixty-six men! Paul cared for them!

Onboard the ship I am serving on I have the privilege and opportunity each night we are at sea of offering the evening prayer. I do this over the ship’s public address system, just prior to Taps (9:55 p.m.). It is a wonderful Navy tradition that gives me the opportunity to bring the crew to a time of prayer before our Lord. It is a help, and a great source of comfort when we are in the midst of His great ocean, and far from our loved ones. The evening prayer gives me an opportunity to show that I and my Lord care for all those onboard.

Chaplain Paul Given All (V.24, NKJV ) The Lord assured Paul that he has given him all that sail with him.

I take this claim as Paul did. Onboard the USS SUPPLY I sail with five hundred and fifty souls. It is so exciting to be a part of His great work. During our last deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf I witnessed His great work as twenty-three came to trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and many more rededicated their lives to Him.

We are given a great responsibility by our Lord. Christ has opened doors in our lives so we can share His hope and grace with others. It is not by chance that we are where we are. Our Lord has given us all those that “sail” with us. We are given the privilege to serve God by touching the lives around us, at work, in our neighborhoods and in our own homes, He has given us all who “sail” with us.

Chaplain Saul is the Command Chaplain onboard the USS SUPPLY (AOE 6) home-ported in Norfolk, Virginia.