28:11 After three months
we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which
had wintered at the island. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south
wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brethren, and
were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And
from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as
Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took
courage.
At Malta God used Paul to bless the "barbarians"
and reveal Himself to them. Paul has been on quite the roller coaster since he
left Ephesus to head for Jerusalem. Mostly it's been a lonely one. I can only
imagine it was mentally tough and emotionally exhausting too. For those
familiar with Paul’s letters you know it has been his dream for a long time to
visit Rome. That dream is now coming true and God has an extra special treat on
the way - brothers. No, they aren't men from the same mother. Rather they are
men with the same Master. Men who have likely also suffered unjustly for the
sake of Christ. Men who he can fully be himself with. Men who "get
it".
I love that about God. Even in this war zone where Satan wins
a lot of battles and we Andre called to endure events and circumstances that
are not fun or fair God makes sure we get moments of reprieve, times when we
get a taste of Home. After all it is not the streets of gold that will make
heaven awesome. It will be the peace of healthy relationships where love
reigns. Gone is all tension. Gone is all strife. Gone is everything that
divides and opposes.
To kick back with people who get you, who love you for you,
who understand even without words, this is joy and rest.
For Jesus that place was the home of Lazarus, Martha, and
Mary.
God knows we need love and support and understanding of a
human kind. He knows we need human touch. He knows we need rest from the
seemingly relentless struggle. Paul found brothers far from home. It was no
accident. God knows. God sees. God understands. He provides. God is love and
love will win.
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