Belonging and Serving
In Acts 27 Paul is a prisoner on board an imperial grain ship bound for Rome when a vicious storm comes bearing down on them. As the “northeaster” unleashes its fury, the crew reacts by jettisoning cargo and gear to lighten the ship. The situation becomes so perilous that Luke records “all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned” (Acts 27:20).
In the midst of blackened skies, howling winds, heaving swells, and frightened men, Paul has a message of encouragement: “. . . keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ Therefore, keep up your courage men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on a certain island” (Acts 27:22-26).
Notice how Paul understands his relationship to God: (1) “the God to whom I belong” and (2) “whom I serve.” Paul recognizes he belongs to God. God is sovereign over his very existence. There is no doublemindedness for this apostle. An angel has come with a message from God and Paul believes it.
Paul also serves this God. The Greek verb can be translated as “serve” or “worship.” It shows habitual and continuous “service” or “worship.” Belonging to God should encourage all believers that no matter the circumstances God has us in His sovereign hands. No matter the difficulty the believer continues to serve and worship.
- Jim Weikal
