February 21, 2018: SOAP #3002:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 28:7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 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.

Observation:    The ship on which Paul was being taken to Rome as a prisoner was shipwrecked.  The crew and passengers stayed on this island for three months.

Years later when the crew, or the Roman soldiers, or the other prisoners, or the other passengers talked about this trip, I am sure their main topic was Paul.  It was because of Paul that the prisoners were not killed.  It was because of Paul that they had eaten to have the strength to make it to land.  Paul had not died when bitten by a snake from the wood on the fire.  It was because of Paul that many on the island were healed.  The islanders were glad that Paul had been shipwrecked on their island.  When another ship arrived to carry them on their journey, the islanders honored them and gave them what they needed.

Application:   Paul was not traveling in the best of circumstances, but that did not stop him from being a blessing to those around him.  I should make it my goal that my “traveling companions” along this journey of life are blest by my presence.  May I be a joy and not a burden.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, like the Apostle Paul, make me a blessing to those who walk this earth with me. Even when my circumstances are not to my liking, help me bring encouragement to those around me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!