Viper Strike

8-29-2014      Acts 28:1-6

S.       1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

O.      On the shore after the wreck while building a fire to dry off and keep warm Paul is bitten by a snake. The local people that were gathered to help the victims of the shipwreck expected Paul to die. When Paul lived, and showed no effects at all, the locals deemed him to be a god.

A.      Paul was serving, helping and doing what he could to comfort his fellow travelers. Like Jesus, Paul is a servant. We must apply ourselves to serving. Not just preaching, singing and testifying but in the everyday needs of life as well. Sharing ourselves and our substance to comfort and aid our fellow travelers.

P.       Father; train me in your mercy, that I may show mercy. Train me as a servant that I may serve. Teach me love and compassion that I may be a good servant. Amen.