Hospitality And Miracles
Continued from last week, PART II of II
28 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live." 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
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 (Acts 28:1-10, NIV)
What happened when Pubilus's father was healed? He felt the fever packed up and leave his body. His abdominal pain ceased at once. The power of Holy Spirit rippled through his inners with a rush of energy he had never felt before. His eyes filled with life. His hands stiffened with strength. Maybe he sat up for the very first time. Maybe he wiped his brow of sweat because his head was no longer on fire. What about the people who witnessed the father's healing? The miracle of healing took everyone by complete surprise. Maybe hushes of shock and mumbles of doubt enveloped the room for all who saw it. Maltese residents ran off the estate to tell their people the healing man of God had arrived.
Perhaps Publius got his father food to nurse him back to full strength. Maybe Paul was talking with others about the significance of the healing. The healing was the hospitality of God to bear witness that Paul was his servant. It did not take long before the chief official's servant alerted them that people were showing up. They brought their parents, siblings, and friends who Roman worship had not panned out with prayers and many sacrifices in the temples. They came with the hope that God's hospitality of healing was welcoming to them. Paul might had smiled because he reflected on his own unexpected hospitality from the Maltese. It was the least he could do for them.
Gratitude might be the leading feeling on the island of Malta. Parents with diseases felt no pain for the first time. Mothers suffering aliments made dinner with smiles children had not seen in years. Bright eyed parents saw a future for children who they believed had no future. How could these parents give thanks? How might these children honor Paul for new lease on life? The apostle was brought tributes of thanks for his divine gift. Maybe Publius had to give him security details because many of the healed never wanted to leave sight of Paul. Hospitality was the gift of Maltese and they showered it upon Paul. It was the least they could do.
Paul had a date with Rome. As much as he enjoyed his stay in Malta, he knew he had to meet with Cesar. Miracles of God's provisions were walking into new beginnings which he played a key role. It would be easy for him to stay in Malta and embraced the life of a divine celebrity. He knew what he had to suffer for because God told him. Staying was not an option.
The crew had their ship supplied with food, ropes, and other means for the trip to Rome. Perhaps the witnesses of healing was not going to linger at their homes. They had to see their pastor off because his God gave them new life. Through tear-drenched eyes and waving arms of gratitude, Paul set sail for his destiny.
Paul was back on the security detail of Roman soldiers. Maybe he had no chains on him because they saw how powerful Paul's God flexed his muscles of hope and resurrection for those most in need. Paul was called a god by the Maltese who saw the evidence with their very eyes. Paul had nothing to prove from this point about God he served faithfully came through. As the ship faded into the horizon of the sea, Paul set his eyes like flint to Rome. He was ready to make his defense before the most powerful man on the planet. He was ready to bring Jesus before the throne of Rome.
Every act of hospitality becomes a miracle that Jesus becomes more real. Every miracle of healing bears witness to the power of Christ at work in the world. These resurrection moments revives the soul and creates space for testimonies. Hospitality could be a meal to a struggling mother with children. Hospitality could be a listening ear to a frustrated teen. Hospitality are ordinary events to see Jesus in action. Sometimes, the Lord allows us to witness a miracle that can't be explained. In those rare times, we see the power of God in a raised up life that garners those who have waited for such a time.
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