Snake Bite
“Shake It Off”
Acts 28:5 “But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm”
Danger can be all around and sometimes disguised as something innocent, presenting no harm. This type of danger often will be right in front of people, but yet unseen.
Acts 28:1-6 records how the Apostle Paul dealt with a danger that came upon him, and also describes other peoples view and reactions to what happens.
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
Vs 1 A place of refuge
2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
Vs 2 First impression “displayed unusual kindness”
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
Vs 3 Many times when you are trying to help, evil will be hidden in plain view and then attempt to attach itself to you.
4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
Vs 4 People are always “watching and talking” and often times are fickle, changing frequently. Especially as regards to loyalties, interests, or affection…bouncing around from one side to another. People who are fickle are not firm or steady in affection, behavior, opinion or loyalty. Sad to say but the reality of it is…a lot of times you just can’t trust them due to the fact that they are ever changing.
5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
Vs 5 If or when evil attempts to attach itself to someone, it would be a wise decision to follow Paul’s example. Not only did Paul “shake off” the creature, he eliminated it from returning and bothering him again by using the fire to destroy it. Because Paul took this course of action, he suffered no harm and eliminated the possibility of this problem returning to harm him again. Being hesitant about confronting danger, or something that is attempting to harm you can have lasting consequences. A person has to also deal with danger in a way that it cannot not return again to harm them.
6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
Because people can be fickle at times, the same people that accept you, can change their feelings that they have toward you in the twinkling of an eye, and condemn you. They will often expect a negative outcome about problems they see you experiencing. Once they see that you are victorious, they will again change and put you on a pedestal and make you into what they want you to be in their eyes.
Lord Jesus, thank you for being an ever present help in the time of need…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
