22nd. March. 2022. Daily Devotion.
Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Acts 28:1-2
Great stories often include scenes of danger and courage. This story about the apostle Paul on Malta follows a gripping account of a two-week storm at sea and a shipwreck And although this story tells of a deadly snakebite and miraculous healings, it focuses at first (and at the end) on what may seem rather mundane: hospitality. Paul and his companions were shipwrecked, wet, and cold, so the islanders of Malta welcomed them by making a fire.
Simple hospitality can have a profound effect on people caught in the storms of life. Hebrews 13:2 encourages us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Did the Maltese know who they were welcoming, or what mission they were advancing, when they went out in the rain and cold to meet these strangers?
Paul’s ministry of spreading the good news of Jesus was often supported by the kindness of others. The Maltese showed hospitality before they even heard Paul’s teaching or saw the miracles he did in Jesus’ name.
Can you remember a time when others showed unusual kindness to you? Whom could you show kindness to today? Showing kindness should flow freely from a heart full of joy because of Jesus’ teaching. North American Maritime Ministry Association.
Thank you, Lord, for the unusual kindness you have shown to us. Help us to reflect your love and to welcome the people around us, so that others may know the joy of your salvation. Amen.
Still within us now, O Lord, any voice but yours, lest we hear but do not receive, lest we listen but do not act, lest we know but do not love, and let your Holy Spirit turn our hearts and lives to your truth. Amen. Liturgy of the French Reformed Church
For Faithfulness in the Use of this World’s Goods
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given me all that I possess; Grant me grace that I may honour you with my substance and remembering the account which I must one day give, may be a faithful steward of your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For International Unrest
Almighty Father, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. Church of England.
For the Refugee crisis
Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love.
We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome and reach out our hands in support. That the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who fled persecution at His birth and at His last triumphed over death. Amen. Church of England.