A man rubbed a bottle and a genie came out, “OK the genie said what’s your wish” The man said “I want all ladies to love me”, and he turned into a bar of chocolate.
If God gave you one opportunity to ask for anything you could, and He would give it, what would you ask for? Money, Health, Family, Job, Time? Paul said, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory” (Phil. 4:19).
Acts 28 shows us some of the things God provides abundantly!
- 1. Protection
These men were in a fierce storm and God protected every one of them. They all landed on the shore of Malta/Melita. Later in the chapter we find the incident with the viper. This is another mark of God’s protection on His people.
‘God is my refuge and my fortress; my god; in him will I trust.’ (Psalm 91:2)
- 2. Favor
I don’t think anyone traveling with Paul anticipated the warm welcome they received when they finally struggled ashore on Malta. All of the, including Paul, would have been satisfied just to feel the solid earth under their feet once again. But God often does much more than we ever expect. Do you think Paul or Luke prayed for it? I don’t think any of them did, but this incident shows us how God can take care of us.
‘When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ (Ps. 16:7)
- 3. Friendship
Paul introduces us to Publius, the chief official of the island. He showed hospitality to Paul and his friends. God did not overlook this. He used Paul to heal his father and others on Malta who were diseased. These people showed their gratitude by supplying Paul and his companions with provisions for their journey. Paul’s kindness to the islanders was reciprocated. Love begets love. Kindness begets kindness.
Quote: god doesn’t give you the people you want, He gives you the people you need.
- 4. Freedom
When Paul got to Rome, he was allowed to live by himself. I’m sure that though he was a prisoner, God’s care of him allowed his superiors to realize he was not a threat and gave him more liberty.
‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.’ (2 Cor. 3:17)
- 5. Ministry
Even in chains, Paul was able to continue his ministry. The Jewish leaders in Rome arranged for a meeting with Paul. This was not just a Q & A, but an evangelistic opportunity. He persuaded them; he tried to convince them to place their faith in Jesus Christ. He was not there to pass on religious information. He wanted to start them on the road to heaven. He opened the Word of God – both the Law and the Prophets – to them. He was in no hurry. The session lasted all day. He preached as long as they listened. Some believed, and some did not. This wasn’t the end. For two years Paul ministered the gospel in Rome. His two-fold ministry: preaching the gospel and teaching the converts.
‘Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.’ (1 Peter 4:10)
God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply – Hudson Taylor
There was a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time his throat became very dry, about that time he saw a little shack in the distance. He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note. The note read: “pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it, if you do this you will get all the water you need”. Now the man had a choice to make, if he trusted the note and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn’t work he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle, at first nothing happened and he got a little scared but he kept going and water started coming out. So much water came out he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: after you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveller.” The man refilled the jug and added to the note: “ Please prime the pump, believe me it works”! We have the same choice to make, do we hold on to what we have because we don’t believe there are better things in store for us, and settle for immediate satisfaction? Or do we trust God and give up all that we have to get what God has promised us? I think the choice is obvious. We need to pour in all the water, trust God with everything. Then once we have experienced what God has to offer, the living water, we need to tell other people, “Go ahead prime the pump, believe me it works”!
