Posted on 14-04-2008
What An Impression This Must Have Made Upon Young And Old
Filed Under (Self Improvement) by admin

It is not a picture which we witness often in our lifetime but here we see a group of people kneeling on the shore in prayer.

The detail of which I am writing can be found in the book of Acts at Chapter 21 and it is certainly worth reading. If you like reading the unusual and unique then the book of Acts is for you.

There are times when we have to go through the Word of God slowly, because there is so much to learn and understand. I don’t think people realise just how much is in the Bible which is so relevant to contemporary society.

These believers in Jesus Christ at Tyre knew that many Jews hated Paul. Why do so many people hate men of God? This news had travelled fast, and they say to Paul - “Paul, you should not go on to Jerusalem.” These men and women are genuinely and sincerely concerned for Paul’s physical welfare, but Paul knows the will of God and he will not be diverted and sidetracked. They cannot persuade him. If you know you are in the Will of God and if you are willing to face whatever lies in front of you, then on you go, bravely and humbly and in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Once the ship was ready to leave - once the seven days were up - all the men and women and children went with Paul to say their final ‘Farewell’. All the men and women and children together - all together - wherever possible. There was no keeping the young ones away here.

Before they part, they all kneel down on the shore and pray. What a sight! Paul and Luke and a few others - and all these men and women and youngsters - kneeling down on the shore in prayer.

Imagine the impression that must have made upon these believers, especially upon some of these young lives. Seeds would be sown that day. I wonder how many were deeply affected by being present on that occasion.

What we do, and how we live, and the words we use in prayer, can deeply influence others much more than we ever realise. Words are so important. Words can be positive or negative. The words we speak can encourage or discourage those around us. Words can bless or curse. Some people can go from strength to strength on a word of thanks and appreciation. Is there someone you need to encourage and thank or to whom you know you should express appreciation? Words are powerful!

Just reading verses 5,6, makes me want to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of this dear servant of Jesus Christ. Let this word influence you and then go and lead a life in the light of Jesus Christ that will influence others for good and for God. And take a moment to give thanks to God for those who have led you this far in the faith. Being thankful and grateful in prayer is so important.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children’s Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled “Word from Scotland” on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

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