Passage
Acts 27:27-44 (ESV)
Jacob’s Blessings and Prophecies
Genesis 49:1-28
Key Verse: 49:10
Paul the Shepherd
Date: Oct. 16, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 27:34-35
First, stay with the ship (27-32). The ship was being driven dangerously across the Adriatic Sea and fast approaching land. Some sailors attempted an escape in a lifeboat but Paul warned that unless everyone remained with the ship no one would survive. So they cut the ropes and let the lifeboat go. This was an expression of placing their lives in the hands of God instead of calculating.
Second, Paul feeds the men (33-44). Again the apostle spoke up when it was the right moment. He urged the men to eat and gave them hope that no one would lose even a single hair from his head. He took some bread, broke it and gave thanks to God like Jesus for his disciples. They all ate and were encouraged. Paul could be a shepherd for the men onboard because he had faith in God. Later, when the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners, the centurion moved by Paul's shepherd life prevented them from carrying out their plan.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live by faith and have a shepherd heart for others.
One Word: Live by faith; have a shepherd heart
