Acts 27:33-38 (NIV)
Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food–you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
Th ship’s progress toward the shallows had been halted by the anchors, but only for a time. As soon as daylight came, a decision would have to be made, and action would have to be taken.
It is into this small space that Paul boldly steps. His urging of the 276 people on board the ship to eat is a practical matter. They had eaten little or nothing for many days, and without some nourishment, they are going to be too weak to make it to shore when the time comes. As Paul urges them to eat, some are still paralyzed by fear, so he restates the assurance he received from God that, even though the ship is going to be destroyed, every single person on board will be saved.
Since no one made a move to eat, Paul took the initiative. He stood before them all, took bread, lifted it up and recited the traditional Jewish prayer of thanksgiving, and started to eat it. Buoyed by his example, the rest of the men began to eat as well.
There was plenty of food for the men to eat, no supplies having been consumed for two weeks, so everyone ate until he was satisfied. Then, to lighten the load and allow the ship to ride higher in the water and be able to get closer to shore before running aground, they threw the remaining grain overboard into the sea.
Sometimes, in a time of crisis, all it takes is one confident person to motivate right and courageous action. And God’s people, especially those who have heard from God in a situation, and thus know what the right action is for that moment, are often the most effective at being that person.
Father, You alone of all the gods worshiped around the world, are the living God, the speaking God, who makes direct promises to Your people and who then is capable of making what You promised come to pass. Knowing that, and seeing it played out time and time again in both the pages of Scripture and in real life, is a huge help in opening our ears and giving us strength and courage to press on and lead the way when those around us are fearful. Give me this bold confidence today, Lord, so that I can lead others in Your way. Amen.
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