I told you so...

June 21, 2021 (Monday)

 

Every want to say “I told you so?” Believe it or not, Paul did… say it. On his trip to Rome, as a prisoner, the ship he was on left late in the sailing season. Paul warned them, but hey… what does a simple preacher know?

 

Let’s join the story in progress, “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they could carry out their plan. They pulled up anchor and sailed closely along the coast of Crete.” [Acts 27:13 CEB] The main reason for Paul being on the ship was the Roman centurion in charge of him, listened to the captain and ship owner, not Paul. Second, the harbor was not suitable for spending the winter. Basically, they had to decide which way to risk the ship.

 

But, expertise and luck are useless in the face of facts. Then again, Paul had supernatural insight into what was about to happen. “Before long, a hurricane-strength wind known as a northeaster swept down from Crete.” [Acts 27:14 CEB] I wonder if they thought the island would shield them when they left. But you know the saying about “best laid plans of mice and men…”

 

Because of their awkward sailing strategy, “The ship was caught in the storm and couldn’t be turned into the wind. So we gave in to it, and it carried us along.” [Acts 27:15 CEB] Ever be on a ride you could not control? This ship was certainly on one. There are times when circumstances are beyond our control. Our best play is to hang on for dear life.

 

Eventually there was a break in the storm, we read, “After sailing under the shelter of an island called Cauda, we were able to control the lifeboat only with difficulty.” [Acts 27:16 CEB] This is an odd, but important detail. Those who doubt the integrity of Scripture, fail to notice the rich details which would be left out by a fake story teller.

 

On the third day of the storm, after tossing over the cargo, they tossed the ship’s gear. This is bad, really bad. Seasoned sailors came to the conclusion, “When neither the sun nor the moon appeared for many days and the raging storm continued to pound us, all hope of our being saved from this peril faded.” [Acts 27:20 CEB] This must have been a monster storm.

 

Now Paul says, “I told you so.” After a very long ride, fearing for life and limb, we read, “For a long time no one had eaten. Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have complied with my instructions not to sail from Crete. Then we would have avoided this damage and loss.” [Acts 27:21 CEB] Then he tells them this story, “Last night an angel from the God to whom I belong and whom I worship stood beside me.” [Acts 27:23 CEB] The promise is that Paul would stand before Caesar, and everyone onboard would survive!

 

Details, details, details: “The sailors tried to abandon the ship by lowering the lifeboat into the sea, pretending they were going to lower anchors from the bow.” [Acts 27:30 CEB] The solders cut the ropes so the sailors could not abandon ship. They were needed for what was about to happen.

 

After fourteen days, Paul encourages them to eat. “I urge you to take some food. Your health depends on it. None of you will lose a single hair from his head.” [Acts 27:24 CEB] Notice Paul has actively fought to encourage them. Now he actively encourages a practical matter.

 

How often, under dire circumstances, are we content to watch the disaster unfold in front of us? All the while we wag our tongues and shake our heads and say “I told you so.” God forbid.