Joel M Bradshaw

1Once safely on shore, we [Paul and his companions] found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 

5But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.–Acts 28

1. The snakebite revealed an opportunity for the people to negatively value Paul.
2. The healing provided an opportunity for the people to positively value Paul.
3. But our value is inherent and not linked to what other people think about us.
4. People can give opinions about you, but your value and worth comes from God, who indeed values you!
5. The challenge this morning is to not live for the opinions of others.
6. Don’t seek to manipulate outcomes where favorable opinions are gained and unfavorable opinions are avoided.
7. Fear God more than you fear man. And if you seek a favorable opinion, consider pleasing God most!–JMB