Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
SERVING IN THE WILL OF GOD
Read: Acts 28:1-31
[1]Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
[2]And 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.
[3]But 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.
[4]So 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.”
[5]But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
[6]However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
[7]In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
[8]And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
[9]So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
[10]They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. Arrival at Rome
[11]After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
[12]And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
[13]From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,
[14]where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
[15]And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
[16]Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. Paul’s Ministry at Rome
[17]And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
[18]who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.
[19]But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.
[20]For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
[21]Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you.
[22]But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
[23]So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
[24]And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
[25]So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
[26]saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
[27]For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’
[28]“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
[29]And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
[30]Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
[31]preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
MEMORISE: However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god (Acts 28:6).
EXPOSITION
How quickly and drastically the natives changed their minds! When the viper fastened itself into Paul's hand, they thought he must be a murderer. When Paul managed to shake off the viper without harm, they thought him to be a god. The natives had good reasons to react in this manner. It is likely they had never seen anyone survive the viper's bite, much less someone who managed to shake it off like he would have done to dried leaves. How about us? Are we equally surprised like the natives? Probably not, because of God's promise to Paul in Acts 27:24. Yet, if God was able to save Paul from shipwreck and a poisonous viper, why didn't He save the Apostle completely from the clutches of those who opposed him? Read Acts 28:20. Paul was in chains because of the hope of Israel. He remained in chains because God wanted him to preach the kingdom of God and teach the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him (including the enemies) (Acts 28:31).
Most of us might not be called to serve the Lord in chains, but God is calling us out of our comfort zones to be totally loyal to His will. What is your reaction? How is it turning out for you? Are you discouraged? Are you growing in faith? For instance, the Lord is calling you to love and serve your enemies? Will you do so with the joy of the Lord? It is actually challenging, and sometimes, humiliating. But the question will always linger: Are you willing to go where the Lord wants you, and willing surrender in the service of His sovereign will, like Apostle Paul?
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY: CAC GHB 708
1. He leadeth, me O blessed thought!
O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me!
By His own hand He leadeth me!
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
2. Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,
By waters still, o'er troubl'd sea, -
Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me!
3. Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me!
4. And when my task on earth is done,
When, by Thy grace, the vict'ry's won,
E'en death's cost wave I will not flee
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Dear Lord, build our faith and courage to go where You want us to go, and do what You want us to do.
2. Help us, Lord, to grow in Your likeness and experience the true joy and freedom that can only be found in You.
3. Pray that God should help our leaders to allow His will to prevail in our churches and nation.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Proverbs 24:1-27:10
