Just over 500 years ago today, on April 27... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings.
Daniel 2:20–21

Just over 500 years ago today, on April 27, 1521, the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan died in battle with Visayan warriors. But let’s take it one step at a time. On behalf of Spain, Magellan was to find a western route to Indonesia, to the Spice Islands. The nutmeg trees and cloves there attracted the sailors.

Magellan set sail as captain general with five ships on September 20, 1519. On October 21, he sighted a cape near the 52nd parallel. In early November, after a 36-hour storm had driven two ships into a bay, the sailors discovered that they could sail further west through a strait. This strait between the South American mainland and the islands farther south is now called the Strait of Magellan, after its discoverer. It was of great importance for seafaring until the Panama Canal was built. Afterwards, Magellan was the first European to cross the Pacific. This led to a conflict with the natives in the Philippines which cost Magellan his life. Only one ship returned to Spain less than a year later. Of the 240 or so men in the original crew, only 90 survived the expedition.

What do we think of when we consider Magellan? Do we admire his courage? Or do we also think of the dark side, because his discovery made it easier for Europeans to plunder the treasures of other peoples?

The Bible describes God as one who actively directs world events in His “wisdom and might”. And this is as true in 2024 as it was 500 years ago. To be sure, this does not release anyone from personal responsibility for his or her actions before God. But the one who knows God as Father, in Jesus Christ, can at any time know and hold on to this assurance: God is above all.

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 8:12-30 · John 6:60-71