MONDAY March 11, 2024
Miraculous Healings
In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
Acts 28:7-8
Publius was the chief citizen in charge on the island of Malta. Some commentators believe he was the Governor. Using his authority, he ordered the natives to care for Paul and his friends, Luke and Aristarchus, along with the prisoners, the Romans, and the ship’s owner and crew––altogether 276 men. He financially made sure all their needs were met. What a very generous man he was to help clothe and feed them.
Not long after, it became known to Paul that Publius’ father was very sick with a fever and dysentery––he was dying. Paul, as a missionary and a preacher and teacher of God’s Word, seized the opportunity to help. God could use the situation to reveal Himself to the people.
Paul saw the father, laid his hands on him, and prayed. Instantly, he was healed! How beautiful. Paul made himself available to God––to be used by Him in a miraculous way. He began to minister to the other people on the island.
As a young Christian, I was on a trip in Mexico City. Outside a restaurant, I saw a crippled man. The Lord spoke to my heart. I was to approach him, pray for him, and lift him up, just like Peter did to the crippled man when he said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). I knew the Holy Spirit had spoken to me, but I disobeyed His voice.
Since then, I have been obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading. I have laid hands on sick people, and by faith, prayed. I know it is God who will heal them according to His sovereign will. I understand not everyone is healed physically. Some are healed permanently; they go home to be with Jesus.
Christ came to bring healing to those who are spiritually sick––you say that you are perfectly well, so you must go your own way and Christ will go in another direction––towards sinners.
~Charles H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
