Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 18 | Day 3
Prayer
Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times.
Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” Thank God that He is your strength and protector, and you can trust Him with whatever you face today.
Bible Reading: Acts 28:1-10
Read these verses three times slowly.
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happened to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
Reflection & Questions
After the trouble they faced in yesterday’s reading, it was a relief to all involved that they were able to get safely ashore. And as God had told Paul, everyone safely arrived ashore. But God’s kindness and God’s purposes didn’t end with their safety.
Did you see how God’s kindness continued to be shown to Paul and to the travelers in this reading? We’re told the islanders showed them “unusual kindness.” We’re told the chief official of the Island showed “generous hospitality.” We’re told the travelers were “honored in many ways” and were “furnished…with the supplies” they needed to carry on their journey. There was no doubt that God was with them.
But why did God allow this shipwreck to happen? God had work for Paul to do on this island. This trip to Rome was all about the gospel continuing to spread through the world. And this island got to see the power of God at work. Not only was Paul unaffected by a poisonous snake, amazingly he was able to heal all the sick on the island.
A terrible shipwreck turned into an amazing opportunity for God’s kindness and His glory to be on display – because Paul stayed faithful. Whatever you’re facing right now, trust that God is at work. He will show you His kindness. He will display His power. Just hold on.
- How has God shown his kindness and power to you through hard times in the past?
- If you are having a hard time trusting God right now, who could you reach out to help you?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
