October 27, 2014

Acts 28: 10. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 Paul is on the trip to see Caesar. It starts well, but the weather turns ugly. After a couple of weeks without food and fighting the sea, the ship runs aground on a sandbar near Malta. Paul shows the power of his faith, surviving a viper bite and healing his host's father. All in all, the stay was a surprisingly good end to the troubled voyage.

 This Paul is pretty amazing. He has a hotline to God. He knows that everyone will survive the storm. He shakes a poisonous snake off his arm with no ill effects. He heals the sick. The local people respond so much better than the Jews had. They show true hospitality. How much of that is the power of Paul, and how much of it is a tribute to the people of Malta?

 Prayer: Lord, I treasure the reading of Your holy book. The stories are amazing, and they have so many lessons to teach us. Would we be as open-minded and hospitable as the people of Malta? Would we recognize Your power in people we meet? Or would we be working to preserve the status quo? Guide our country to see You and to respond appropriately to Your people when we see them today. Amen