Serious Business

Paul was so encouraged as he met some of the brethren when he got to Rome. But when he called the leading Jews to his house. It was another story.

Our missionary began his appeal to these leaders by "solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening". (Acts 28:11-31)

Some were persuaded but others would not believe. Such a big argument ensued. As these guys were leaving Paul quoted Isaiah 6:10 - "And they have closed their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them." 

It sure is serious business to miss out on God's healing.

Let us pray to have open eyes and ears and a heart desiring to understand God's truth. We need You healing, Lord.

                    

A Barbarian Reception

I wonder what Paul and his traveling friends thought as they set foot on the island Malta. After all it had been a death-defying sea voyage, and this Malta meant barbarian. (Acts 28:1-10)

But the account records God's continued aid as "the natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all".

And even when disaster struck again as Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, "he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm".

Paul also had the grace to lay hands on the leading man of the island's father and heal him of recurrent fever and dysentery. So "the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured".

These "barbarians" were so grateful that "they also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed".

God shows up and blesses us in the worst circumstances and strangest places. Let's keep an eye out for Him today!

The Rest of the Story

All 276 of the passengers with Paul were now feeling a bit easier after their two week tempest ordeal. It was dawn, they saw land, and Paul had affirmed that "not a hair from the head of any of you will perish". (Acts 27:33-44) So they were strengthened by eating  and threw the rest of the wheat overboard to lighten the ship.

However, the boat still stuck on a reef as they tried to land. And as the vessel was breaking apart, the soldiers started to kill all the prisoners (including Paul) so none would escape. 

But God and the centurion "wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land". The rest followed floating on planks etc. "And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land."

Such an amazing story of preservation! God had decreed through an angel that Paul "must stand before Caesar". God had also granted Paul all those sailing with him.

God's word was accomplished. It always is. Praise His mighty name!