27:9 Now when much time
had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already
over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end
with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our
lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and
the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the
harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from
there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening
toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
What had King Agrippa said to Paul just before they shipped
him toward Rome? "You almost persuaded me to become a Christian." Now
it's the turn of the centurion to be almost persuaded.
Have you ever been almost persuaded? I don't believe there is
any such thing as almost persuaded. When you look closer “almost persuaded” is
actually fully persuaded but prevented by other factors from following through.
It wasn't that Agrippa didn't believe Paul was telling the truth. He believed
him. He believed Jesus was the Promised One too. He believed it all. He just
couldn't get past the personal cost to himself if he followed so he didn't. I
mean look at Paul. He had been a wealthy, well respected, well connected, and
influential Pharisee. Now look at him. He was old beyond his years. His
skin was weather beaten by the constant travel. Worse than that he was a poor,
humble preacher unwanted and hated by his own people.
No you'll never convince me Agrippa wasn't persuaded. He just
wasn't willing to follow through.
This account of the impending storm and the "almost
persuaded" centurion gives us a clear window into what factors prevent the
persuaded from doing what they are sure is right.
In his case he didn't want to winter in that place. His men
didn't want to winter there either. The owner of the ship was against it. Owner
means $$$. How often is $$$ a factor in pushing us to do the wrong thing? The
helmsman said going forward was fine. He drove the ship. He had driven many
ships. He was a man of experience. How can you go against a man of experience?
Add it all up. An old preacher in chains says he has a
feeling the ship will go down of they push forward. The owner says push
forward. The helmsman says push forward. The majority say push forward. Your
own desires say push forward...
He was persuaded Paul was right but...
What I find fascinating that some did believe Paul enough to
vote on his side because if the majority voted to push forward there had to be
a minority that voted to winter in the port where they were.
What about us? Do we make decisions based on feeling? Based
on the influence of others? Do we just go with the majority?
God is looking for men and women of conviction. Men and women
and youth who will stand when everyone else bows. Individuals who are not
afraid to do what they believe is right or who do what is right even if they
are afraid.
Paul lived his convictions. Leader after leader around him
just did what was convenient. The contrast is stark. Where are you and I in all
of this?
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