In the reading this morning we see Paul setting sail from Palestine to Italy.  It was a heck of a journey!

Further, today is another one of those days where I think there isn’t a ton in the text, and where I find that the study Bible may be missing something that seems obvious to me.  There is a lot of discussion in my notes about why Paul was able to exert some kind of leadership authority, and how this would have worked between the Centurion and Paul and everyone else.  It seems obvious to me - when things get dicey and scary, and when peoples’ lives hang in the balance, the real leaders are thrust into a position of influence by default.  I think these people were scared, and they were confused, and Paul has the authority that wasn’t really his by design because Paul was the real leader in the group.  The way Luke writes this, which is in keeping with what we know Paul has experienced to this point, Paul was ready for the crazy.  Paul had anticipated it.  And think about this - how do you feel when you see someone move through a crazy and scary situation in life with confidence and with grace?  You feel a little inspired...I know I do.  I feel like that person knows something.  I tell you what else happens, that person gains some influence with me.

Sometimes it is the subtle things in life where we signal big things.  Paul’s handling of this situation was a ministry opportunity.  We aren’t told that Paul leverages it that way, and I am guessing Luke details this journey for a particular reason in this particular way, but I am going to guess based on Paul’s personality that there were some ministry conversations had.

In short, today reminds me that it is often who we are being that speaks louder than what we are saying.  And, who we are being can gain us the influence that people will listen to what we are saying.  Today, I pray that I am being someone who is worthy of influence, who is worthy of attention, that I might gain an opportunity to further God’s kingdom in that way, as Paul does in the reading today.