Connections that Count |March 22, 2021
Read
Read Acts 28:1-10
Paul on the Island of Malta
“Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. 2 The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.
3 As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. 4 The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, “A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” 5 But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. 6 The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god.
7 Near the shore where we landed was an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and treated us kindly for three days. 8 As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 9 Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. 10 As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people supplied us with everything we would need for the trip.”
Reflect
- If you moved to a new neighborhood, how would you want the neighbors to welcome you?
- How did the islanders show unusual kindness to the victims of the shipwreck?
- What effect did Paul’s acts of service have on the islanders?
Apply
How might you “position yourself” today to show kindness to someone you don’t know? For example: thanking the check-out person at the grocery store, or striking up a conversation with someone at the gym.
Pray
Lord, every day you present opportunities to put your love on display. Help me to be attentive to the people I encounter this week. I am willing and available to show your love in tangible ways this week. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
