Bible Reading: Psalm 46, 47, 48; Acts 28.
Memory Verse: “In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.” Acts 28:7 (KJV).
The Christian Faith is based on love ( Matthew 22:37-39). When you love people, you will have compassion on them and that will make you to meet their needs based on your capacity. As a child of God, you are expected to shine your light by your works. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Good works are what you do to impact life positively such as meeting the needs of others around you. A good example is Dorcas in Acts 9:36-39 who helped the widows such that when she died, they were looking for ways to bring her back to continue her good works in their lives. Also the Lord spoke about a Samaritan that helped a victim of armed robbery in Luke 10: 30- 35. While priest and Levite ignored him, the Samaritan assisted him and helped to restore him.
What are your good works? In your place of work, in your neighbourhood, in your church and in the nation as a whole! Laying emphasis on good works, the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-40 that when you feed the hungry, give drinks to the thirsty, clothe the naked, provide accommodation to the homeless, visit the sick and prisoners, you are doing such good works to him and will be rewarded on the last day!
Such reward may even be from here on earth though that is not the reason for doing the good works. In case of Dorcas in Acts 9:36-41, she was raised from death by the reason of her good works. Similarly, Publius was good to Apostle Paul in our bible reading passage of today without expecting anything in return. The bible says in Acts 28:7 KJV “In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.”
By this act, Publius father was healed by Paul because he and other travelers were living with them at that time. This is recorded in Acts 28:8 (KJV), “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.” What are your neighbour saying about your good works now? It’s never late for you to retrace your steps and begin to render good works or intensify the good you are already doing.
Prayer point: Father, give me the grace to shine my light so much that people will see my good works and glorify you in heaven in Jesus Christ’s name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero