Joni And Friends Daily Devotional 22 May 2024 Message
TOPIC: Unusual Kindness
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.” – Acts 28:2
Imagine that scene. Two hundred and seventy-six people—prisoners, soldiers, and crew—all standing helpless on the shore. Each one was drenched, frigid to the bone. They had nothing with them except the clothes on their back. No trunks with goods to trade. No potential for spending lots of money to boost the island’s economy. Just themselves.
Luke records that the islanders welcomed them with unusual kindness, unusual because the people responded to the need of the moment and not to the reputation of the castaways. Only later, after Paul avoided a venomous death and later healed the sick, was it noted that “they honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed” (Acts 28:10).
What hospitable people! Given the strategic location of the island, I have no doubt that Luke and his companions were not the first to be shipwrecked there. Nevertheless, they received the castaways without reservation. And when the party was leaving, they gave them all they needed.
We later learn in history that the entire island of Malta was converted to Christianity. Somehow we’re not surprised. They welcomed the good news of God as readily as they welcomed the dying strangers.
What is the nature of our hospitality? Is it based on what we perceive the stature of the person to be? Fortunately, the Maltese didn’t think that way. Their unusual kindness enabled Paul to advance the gospel in the West. Imagine what the face of Europe and the West would be like if the castaways had perished there on Malta.
PRAY: Lord, I’m living on the beautiful island of Malta because I’m in your family. Help me to show their hospitality today. To everyone.
Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community”.