Read Deuteronomy 2
Read Acts 28
This account of Paul and company getting wrecked on the island of Malta is one of my favorite Bible stories. How cool is it?!!
Just when the Devil thinks he has people safe and secure in his kingdom of darkness, that they will never escape and will go to torment with him, God sends a missionary to crash on the shore. And not just any missionary, but this is one that God uses to proclaim the Word concerning Jesus powerfully and to do miracles. God sent Paul.
And this stuff about Paul getting bit by the venomous viper with no ill effect and him performing healings...what is this about? Is God just letting Paul show off? Is God just showing off?
No, God is not just trying to impress people. God is rescuing them from the kingdom of the Devil. When Paul shakes the snake into the fire it 1) is a sign for the people that this is a great man of God and 2) illustrates also for us the victory of Jesus. Jesus fought that ancient serpent, and Jesus won. He has crushed the snake's head. Jesus died bearing all our sin, and Jesus rose victorious on Easter morning. And God sent his Spirit to speak through his people. And through this Spirit who works through the Word, God is making victory over the Devil a reality in the lives of real people.
Truly, this is not just a neat trick. This and the other miracles mean God's salvation of a hopeless people. Really, what hope did they have on that island? Yet God is pleased to rescue and save.
And God then brought Paul finally to Rome, where he would continue to write and preach and minister. A quote from The Lutheran Study Bible and a prayer will conclude our study of the Book of Acts. (Tomorrow we start Luke).
"Paul reaches Rome safely and peacefully. Although not all of Paul's fellow Jews believe the Gospel, Paul proclaims it without hindrance to the Gentiles, thus fulfilling Christ's promise that the Gospel would be proclaimed to all nations. Today, pray that the Lord would break up the hardness of your heart. Rejoice in the message of forgiveness and life through Jesus Christ that is for all people, including you. Lord, through Your eternal Word, soften my heart. Grant me Your salvation so I may be counted among Your faithful people and proclaim Your name. Amen." (TLSB, p. 1879)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
No comments:
Post a Comment