Acts 28:7-16
7 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. 8 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. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days.13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. 16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
Scott Williams
Morello Hills Christian Church – Martinez
Observation: A storm at sea that barely sees Paul and some companions stagger ashore in the cold driving rain. Then the gathering of wood in the exhaustion of the experience to warm themselves, only to see Paul bitten by a venomous snake. But Paul simply shakes the snake off into the fire, and suffers no ill effects. All through the providence of God. Now, God turns this tragedy into salvation and healing for many, as the caring generosity of a person of power, and perhaps of peace, returns to the healing of his own father through Paul’s intercessionary prayer. Soon, all the rest of the people of this lonely island found healing in the Christ, through the prayerful hands of the Christian. Great healing from a great storm.
Action: Father God, may I never overlook chances to bring Your healing into this hurt world, regardless of the storms of life I may find myself, or others around me, immersed within. Even as this Easter Season draws winter to a close, promising the new life of Spring, may I remember that it is through the storms that You often bring the greatest rebirths of all. For this Lenten day, may I see Your promises of eternal life in the midst of the daily chaos. May You turn my face into the storm, and may I smile and laugh alongside your glory!
Observation: Luke points out the twin gods – also known as Gemini – the patron saints of sailors. Curious how the spot light of Luke goes to the over shadowing of the false gods in the wake of all God had done in this island. Reminds me no matter the flag or the figurehead that seems so visible, You are at work and Your kingdom is at hand.
Action: Today as I lead and follow, I will put out my hand to seek Your kingdom breakthrough.
Observation: I see that God delivered Paul safely to Rome in spite of the difficulty and danger of the journey.
Action: Today, when I face challenge, I will affirm God’s presence with me, and His ability to care for me and accomplish His purposes.
Observation: I see that Paul thanked God and was encouraged by the sight of his brothers and sisters in Christ and that some of them had traveled a fair distance to come to him.
Action: Today and in the days ahead, I will look to be a source of love and encouragement to those that are in the middle of a storm.
Observation: I see a parallel between Paul’s journey and the Odyssey. Many tribulations and help from unexpected people, with a refusal to give up. Paul’s faith was such that he still helped others in the midst of his own journey/struggle.
Action: Never forget that I am here to help others with their struggles/journeys in the midst of my own. Don’t get tunnel vision.