October 27: Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

Scripture: Acts 28:2 (NIV) The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Observation: They had been aboard ship in a storm for 14 days and just been shipwrecked. Surely the warm fire and kindness of the islanders meant a lot to them. But it was not without benefit to the islanders as well. In the following verses we read that many of them were healed through Paul’s ministry. This is a good example of Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Application: Kindness is best given and best received when nothing is expected in return, however the reward of being kind is great. 1) It may be just the reward of knowing we have done something good. 2) Or it could be received in words of thanks and appreciation from those to whom we have been kind. 3) Often the reward comes as a surprise to us from the Lord through one or many of the channels available to Him. Sometimes I have received all three, but I like the last one best!

Prayer: Lord, may I be an instrument of your kindness to someone today. Remind me that the one most needing kindness may not be the one to whom I am most inclined to be kind. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!