February 9: People healed on Malta

After we had safely reached shore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The local inhabitants showed us extraordinary kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. When the local people saw the creature hanging from Paul’s hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer! Although he has escaped from the sea, Justice herself has not allowed him to live!” However, Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. But they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly drop dead. So after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. Now in the region around that place were fields belonging to the chief official of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days. The father of Publius lay sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and after praying, placed his hands on him and healed him. After this had happened, many of the people on the island who were sick also came and were healed. They also bestowed many honors, and when we were preparing to sail, they gave us all the supplies we needed. (Acts 28:1-10 — NET)

Notice that this event is at the end of the book of Acts. The church had been established for thirty years or more, but still it is God's will to heal all the sick. What Paul did here in Malta is just like what Jesus did when He was upon earth. All the sick and demon-possessed were freed from their oppression. The Lord Jesus’ instructions to His church have never changed—He commands us to preach the good news of salvation and forgiveness of sins, to heal the sick, and to drive out demons.

Pay no attention to the people who say the days of miracles are past! If you need a miracle in your life, ask for it. It is Jesus’ will for His people to receive the help they need, and the Kingdom of God is where men and women come to find life and hope, and where the supernatural is experienced.