There’s an old Irish blessing that many of you have likely heard:
“May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
As we come to the end of the book of Acts (chapter 28), the winds have shifted favorably on the apostle Paul and his team. Now, they make their way speedily towards Rome where Paul will have opportunity to defend himself and to share the hope of Jesus Christ. What you and I are meant to see here is that for the Christian, no matter what we face in our journey of life in service to Christ, the wind is always at our back. Why? Because there never is a time when God doesn’t hold us in the palm of his hand. He is the Captain of our lives and if that’s the case, we can be assured of our eventual outcome. If God is for us, who can be against us?
As Luke brings this book of Acts to its conclusion, he drives home the glorious truth that God is the one who is steering the ship of Paul’s life and mission. Ultimately, the blowing winds and the people in power must do God’s bidding. This is meant to give us not just comfort but courage for our calling. It is meant to invigorate our faith for carrying the mantle of God’s mission in this world no matter what we are facing. Our sermon this Sunday from Acts 28:11-15 is called, Favorable Winds.
Looking forward to worshipping Christ together this Sunday. We encourage you to prepare your hearts (we’re taking communion) and invite your friends.
