When the South Winds Blow
In Acts 27 we read that the Apostle Paul and a shipload of prisoners were headed for Rome. At the great seaport of Alexandria, Egypt, they were loaded aboard a ship directed for Italy and placed under the authority of Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. Julius was extraordinarily kind to Paul, and it is supposed he knew Paul’s situation as it is likely he was one of the chief captains that heard Paul plead his case before Agrippa. Julius treated him, says Matthew Henry, as a friend, a scholar, and a gentleman. Much like Joseph in the book of Genesis, we understand though Paul was a prisoner, he was not a common criminal. And in this story, we witness yet again, that when God’s children find themselves in such circumstances, God can cause them to be prized and valued even in the eyes of those who hold them captive.
The journey was a long, tedious one, the winds being against them, and winter was fast approaching. They pulled ashore. Ta place called The Fair Havens, a natural port near the southernmost point of Crete. It is to this day a major bunkering spot for ships in the Mediterranean. It was her Paul-led by the Spirit at the exact right ire-spoke to Julius, the shipmaster and the owner fo the sip, warning them, cautioning them that they should not endeavor to make the journey as it would lead to devastating loss. “And said unto them, sirs, I perceive that hid voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.” Acts 27:10
And then word which appears almost one hundred time in the Bible-nevertheless. A word to begin a statement which is opposed to the preceding statement. Verse 11-“Nevertheless, the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And when the south wind blew softly…” Thus, disregarding the Apostle’s admonition, they determined to sail. Chancing it-thinking of the time, money, and opportunity already lost-they risked the undertaking and set sail. They imagined that, since the south winds were blowing so softly, they would always do so. Yet little could they have perceived that they were directly headed toward a dreadful storm. As such, the ship was exceedingly tossed with waves mounting up to the heavens and crashing down to the depths. What made it even more terrifying was that they saw neither sun nor stars for many days. Sailors relied completely on the sun and stars for guidance which means they had no direction whatsoever.
You know the story, how though the ship did finally succumb to the ravages of the storm, and it was everyman for himself as each jumped into the churning sea, Paul, having been enlightened by an angel of God, reassured everyone there would be no loss of life, only the vessel which arrived them.
We should be discerning when the south winds blow. For though they may be soft and seem to imply that the seas are calm ahead we must, without exception, seek the leadership of the Lord in all things which pertain to life and godliness. Not to do so can lead to shipwreck for the Christian! 1 Tim. 1:19. Thought those southerly winds in our lives often bring times of ease and praise, we should not be so charmed by them as to be caught off guard, making decisions we would have made, had we been discerning, spiritual-minded, and prayerful enough to realize south winds do not last forever. It is in times such as these the believer may tend to leap before he looks. Lunging ahead because it all feels good or makes sense to them. People tend to toss around the phrase, “the Lord’s will” as if it were so simple to perceive, such light thing, such simple matter; yet I beg to differ. To, “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9) is an immense responsibility in the life of the believer. Let the Bible speak for itself: “Wherefore be ye not unwise but understating what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:17
“Teach me to do they will; for thou art my God: they spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” 1 John 2:17
One thing I have learned about the southerly winds is that they can abruptly change from a soft, warm breeze and usher in a dramatic temperature drop accompanied by severe weather. As Paul and his fellow travelers found out, the sea was the last place anyone would want to be when those southerly winds changed their nature. And so it is with life. Some things can seem like a credible solution. Some changes may even appear to make better sense financially. You may even be counseled or encouraged by friends or acquaintances to go for it. But oh, how those brutal northwest winds can take you by surprise if you are not prepared for them!
the Bible has much to offer us in the way of obtaining the wisdom we need throughout our lives. We can, of course, read God’s Word. And, equally as important, we must have a solid prayer life. There is godly counsel from a Pastor, or someone who has proved themselves to be worthy spiritually of offering godly wisdom. There are good books you can read, and even a number to good sermons available. But in Proverbs six the Bible names a much-overlooked source of wisdom: the ant! In this chapter Solomon addresses the sluggard, or those who live in ease. This can be applied to work ethic of course but let us consider the spiritual ramifications of taking our ease concerting spiritual matters. Just a slothfulness is a sure way to poverty, so carelessness in the Christian life can lead to wrong decisions which can alter the course of lifeGod had intended for us. Solomon tells the sluggard to consider his ways. Why? Because slothful people do not consider much. People can be careless about their eternal souls. When you think about it, to consider your unsaved condition in view of what God’s Word says is one of the first steps of salvation.
As for the child of God there is another lesson to be learned; for even in the warmth and pleasure of summer, the ant is hard at work, gathering, preparing, knowing instinctively by the design of her Great Creator that the season will not last. She has no guides, overseers or rulers but works by herself following the instincts of her nature. Should not we, as Christians, follow the instincts of our new nature? The old nature is still with us to be sure, but always proves to be ever constant in character: self-centered, self-seeking, and egotistical. Can I get an amen?
The Apostle Paul arrived at Rome, perhaps a little worse for the wear-it is not every day someone experiences a rain storm at sea and shipwreck-but, nonetheless, he arrived unharmed. And the Lord blessed him and provided for him. The prisoners aboard the ship were handed over to the cruel Roman soldiers but Paul was kept away from them. Soon, he was permitted to have his own place and lived there for two years. There he received his friends and anyone who wanted to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And though there were many who had the power to prohibit his preaching, no man did for God would not allow it. Paul, God’s choice servant, was never captivated by the southerly winds, but rather, kept his eyes fasted on the One Who created them.
Thank you so much for reading!
Liz
