Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Acts 28 finds Paul and the other 275 wet and cold survivors washed up on the shore of the Island of Malta; located between the toe of Italy and Tunisia. What a desperate situation! What a great “3-hour cruise” this turned out to be –happy that they were alive but sitting on the beach of an island with nothing. No dry clothes, no food, no supplies. Oh, and did I mention, no ship? It doesn’t appear Paul was very worried. He just starts gathering firewood, UNTIL HE GETS BIT BY A SNAKE. All caps for those of you who really, really hate snakes. Me, not so much, but even I marvel at the fact that he just shakes it off his hand into the fire. Sounds pretty casual doesn’t it? Sounds a lot like what you or I would have done. NOT. Luke would have needed to add another entire chapter detailing my efforts to remove this creature from my presence, but let’s think about this. Paul had been told by God to go to Rome and preach (Acts 23:11). Did he, for one minute, think that God was not going to provide for what He had asked him to do? Do you and I, for one minute, think God is not going to provide for what He has asked us to do?

It gets even better. The natives who had befriended them were certain that the snake bite was just the (little g) gods’ way of punishing him. After pulling up a chair and patiently waiting for Paul to die they decided since he didn’t, well, he must be a god now. It’s funny how public perception can change so quickly. Paul goes on to not only not die for their amusement but also heal the island leader’s father and several other natives. His healing touch prepared the way for their eventual departure as the islanders provided them with all that they needed for their continued journey to Rome.

The lesson here: the soldiers, the sailors, and the prisoners continued to have their lives blessed simply by their association with God’s man, Paul.
Well, as you read, Paul finally gets to Rome and pleads his case with his fellow Jews. Some believed, some did not. That’s OK. Paul did what God asked him to do. And for two years, he got to stay, not in jail, but in his own place and preach to Jews and Gentiles alike. And don’t miss the last word. Verse 31 said he did this “with all openness, unhindered.”

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Think of a time that your ship looked wrecked beyond repair and God showed up and led you through recovery.
• What is preventing you from sharing your story openly and unhindered?

Family Devo: Acts 28

By: Anna Beth Scott

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model. 

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset

Head

Acts chapter 28 starts off with Paul, the other prisoners, and the soldiers shipwrecked on an island called Malta. The islanders welcomed them but had the wrong idea about Paul after he was bitten by a snake and did not get sick. At first, they thought he was a bad guy because he’d been bit. However, after he was unharmed from the snake bite, they thought he was a god. They did not understand who he was. The chief official of the island welcomed them into his home and helped get them supplies so they could sail back to Rome.

Paul was on house arrest in Rome, which means a soldier had to guard him to make sure he did not leave his house. Even under house arrest Paul continued to tell others about Jesus. He invited the leaders of the Jews over and talked with them about Jesus. Some believed and some did not. For two years he stayed at home and welcomed all who came to see him, telling them all about Jesus “without hindrance.”

Heart

Paul’s journey was not easy. He was a prisoner even though he’d done nothing wrong. His ship wrecked. He was bit by a snake. He had to stay at his house for two years with a soldier on guard. However, in all of the difficult circumstances, Paul continued to be grateful and continued to tell others about “the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Paul’s story reminds me to look for ways to thank God. God is always providing for us and preparing the way for us. Regardless of our situation, God can provide a way for us to show others the Gospel. God’s truth will continue to be shared no matter what! Nothing can stop Him! Isn’t it awesome that God wants to use us to share His truth and love with others?!

Hands

Let’s do as Paul did and be thankful to God in all circumstances and tell others about Jesus. Your situation doesn't have to be good for you to find something to thank God for. Find a piece of paper and write down at least three things you are thankful for. Share your list with your family. Being thankful helps us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Also, if you know of someone who might not know who Jesus is, write that person’s name down. Look for ways you can share with that person.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me. Thank You for taking care of all of my needs. Thank You for never giving up on me. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising from the dead three days later. I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I declare You as the Lord of my life. Thank You for giving me a purpose. Lord, show me who You want me to share the Gospel with. Speak through me as I share with that person. In Jesus’ name, amen.