Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Lectionary for 8/5/09

Today's readings are 1 Samuel 19.1-24 and Acts 28.1-15.

When we see Paul and his company safely aground on Malta, we also get to see the response of the native people.  It appears that these people don't know much about the Christians or even about the Jews.  They make assumptions based on what they do know from natural revelation and from their religious sensibilities.  When the snake bites Paul they assume he must be a criminal deserving punishment.  When Paul is unharmed they decide it was a sign that Paul is actually a deity of some sort.  These are perfectly logical decisions to make based on the evidence. 

We don't know how Paul responded.  We know in the past he had pointed out to people that he was not a god and that they shouldn't make sacrifice to him.  But here he doesn't seem to make a big deal of it.  We can safely assume that he explained he was not a god.

What we do see about Paul's activity is that he has opportunity to help people on Malta by praying that the Lord would heal their sicknesses.  God blessed these prayers and in return the people gave many blessings to Paul and all the others who were on the ship, over 250 people.  Here's an example of God exalting his servants by giving them a good public reputation.  Through that good public reputation of the believer God also blessed many who are not specifically addressed as believers - all the people from the ship and the people who were ill on Malta.  Did all believe?  We aren't told.  Were all blessed in some way?  Yes.

Lord, may we act in such as way as to love and serve our neighbors, whether they believe you or not.  May you give your people favor so they can care for this world with the love you showed, giving yourself for us while we were yet sinners.





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