November 26
Bible Reading: Acts 27:9-12
Acts 27:12, “…the majority decided.”
The headline described the tragedy this way: “450 sheep leap to their deaths in Turkey.” The article explained what happened. In July 2005, in the Turkish village of Gevas, one sheep went over the cliff, enticing nearly fifteen hundred others to follow. By the time 450 died, the pile of sheep carcasses at the bottom of the cliff grew large enough to cushion the fall for the rest. Hundreds of sheep died. It was a heartbreaking loss for the 26 families, each possessing, on average, 20 sheep. Collectively, they lost about $100,000 worth of sheep.
This tragedy reminds us that the majority is not always right. Biblically speaking, we know this to be true because it’s the majority that travel obliviously on the broad path that leads to destruction, whereas it’s a narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Paul had the advantage over his fellow shipmates, for he was a man who was trusting in God. Indwelt by the Spirit, he had the advantage of seeing things from a higher perspective. From that vantage point, he perceived that voyage was doomed to suffer much loss, both of ship and cargo and lives. But the centurion preferred the counsel of the pilot and shipowner, and in the end, “the majority decided” to put out to sea.
In the end, Paul’s perspective proved true, leading to his own “I told you so” moment (Acts 27:21). And dire circumstances would ultimately lead to even greater opportunities for Paul to exercise leadership. But let’s not miss this important point—in your life, you will undoubtedly find yourself in the minority when it comes to issues pertaining to faith in Christ.
It’s not easy to speak out against the majority. Consider Paul’s situation. He was not a sailor by trade. He lacked the experience of the pilot or ship owner. He was merely a prisoner on board. But nonetheless he courageously voiced what he believed to be true. You’ll no doubt find yourself in the position of affirming truths pertaining to Jesus and salvation and trust in Him. There’ll be times, on that narrow way that leads to life, that you’ll need to warn others regarding the path on which they are headed. You might even find yourself being scorned or laughed at. But better to speak out against the majority than to remain quiet as they plummet over a cliff to their doom. Paul spoke the truth in love because he cared. He was constrained by the love of Christ to do so. As are you.
“What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” – Albert Einstein
I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
LookingtoJesus 