There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. (Acts 8:7-10)
In my church growing up, families had the opportunity to host foreign Christian exchange students. I remember how blessed those families felt and often had lifelong relationships traveling back and forth to see each other.
In Matthew 10:40, Jesus says to his apostles: “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” So anyone, Christian or otherwise, who welcomes one of God’s ambassadors, welcomes God into their home, and God will bless them.
God blessed Publius for housing and feeding 276 men at his estate for three days by healing his father and blessed the rest of the Maltese for building a fire and caring for the men the remainder of their stay. God cured their sick. We should show hospitality to others because God wants us to and we may be entertaining his angels. He blesses us when we care for others.
Father, I praise you for giving me people to bless. Give me the gift of hospitality so I can bless them with your power. Keep my family and me safe today and bind us closer to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
We have talked about hospitality before and we know God wants us to be hospitable to people. I try very hard to make people feel welcomed and comfortable in my home. It makes me feel good to do this. In this Bible verse God heals the father of Publius in return for the hospitality. I think of this as paying it forward. Helping people is doing God’s will.
Praying for you and your family today. Saw ultrasound pictures of your newest grandchild last night. So excited for them and I am excited to be a great aunt again!!
Just remember that providing hospitality doesn’t mean you should let people take advantage of you. Paul was very grateful for the hospitality and humbled himself to do menial tasks like collecting firewood. I am so excited about my new grandchild! We will find out the sex in a week, but the ultrasound tech was pretty sure it is a girl. Praise God!
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Thanks for your encouragement and for coming to my website. I hope you know how wide and long and high and deep God’s love is for you. I prayed for you and your family today. Blessings, Jody
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Thank you for your encouragement and for coming to my website. I hope you know how much God loves you. I hope you return. Blessings, Jody