Introductory Thoughts
Following a shipwreck, Paul, and those with him, escaped to an island called Melita. The Bible describes the natives as a barbarous people who were not completely void of truth. They demonstrated kindness toward those who had escaped the sea by kindling a fire for them. Paul helped the natives by gathering a bundle of sticks to cast upon the fire. As he cast the sticks on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and fastened on Paul’s hand. Immediately, the barbarians assumed Paul to be a murderer who was being recompensed for his wickedness. Even though these people did not know the Lord, they had some of His laws written in their consciences..
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): Even if people do not know God, God puts it in their hearts to know the difference between good and evil (Romans 2:14-15). Isaac told Abimelech that his wife was his sister. When Abimelech discovered the truth, he scolded Isaac saying that if someone had taken her for a wife, they would have been guilty (Genesis 26:10c).
-
(For everyone): If there were no God, there would be no vengeance. Why? How does the understanding of vengeance validate the existence of God?
-
How did the barbarians understand kindness and vengeance? How did these truths, that necessitate the existence of God, enter into the understanding of these heathen?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for writing His truth in your conscience.
- Ask the Lord for a deeper understanding of vengeance.
Song
More About Jesus
