"Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 2And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm." Acts 28:1-5 NKJV
Paul, had been arrested, and being a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar. Therefore, after further trials, he was placed on a ship bound for Rome. On route, there had been a tempest and they were shipwrecked and cast on an island in the Mediterranean called Melita - today known as Malta. Interestingly, the name means 'Refuge'. This at the time was inhabited by 276 native people, (Warren W Wiersbe) who did their best to welcome them and make them comfortable.
The natives kindled a fire because of the rain and the cold. Paul had gathered some sticks for the fire. As he placed these on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and attached itself to Paul's hand. Such snakes are venomous and the natives that witnessed this, expected to see him fall dead. However, Paul just shook it off into the fire and was ok. The natives seeing this felt he was a god because of it. Through this, Paul was able to pray for many of the islanders and they were healed.
Notice this, firstly. if we were to be bitten by a viper or adder as known in the UK, it would be wise to seek medical help for an antidote. Obviously, there was no one there to help Paul and, to tell the truth, he didn't really need this. Paul trusted in God and, no doubt when he shook it off, he knew that he would be well. Secondly, we would more than likely be concerned and many would flap around expecting to die. Paul kept his calm. He trusted Jesus and knew he was important to Him. He walked in faith and expectation.
It is not everyday that this would happen to us but, the principle is the same; whenever we are faced with a dilemma, we need to shake the problem off us. We are children of God and yes, things will come against us. However, we don't have to accept them. We should act in faith - whatever it may be, and take control of the situation in Jesus' name. If something comes against you that you know is not from God, shake that viper off and get on with your day.
Let's be honest, we either believe the Word of God or we don't. We have God's handbook - the bible so, therefore, we should read it, believe it and act on it. And that is God's ideal.
Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message