The
book of Acts is incredible! It has something for everyone; heartbreak, mystery,
repentance, murder, conviction, scandal, adventure, and even some law and politics.
It’s probably one of my favorite books in the New Testament!
Today’s
passage in Acts 17:22-34 is no exception! Paul, one of the main characters of
Acts is on his 2nd missionary journey. After a couple of precarious situations
which had occurred in Thessalonica and Berea, (Acts 17:1-15) Paul was sent on
to Athens to wait for his friends and cohorts; Silas and Timothy. It is here
that Paul takes a stroll through the city streets, and as he is walking he
begans to see and observe that the city was full of idols. This awareness is
very disturbing to Paul as verse 16 tells us that he became “greatly
distressed”. As a result of this grief, Paul makes straightway into the
synagogue and market area to begin reasoning and persuading those who would
listen.
Before
long others begin to debate with him and eventually they brought him before the
men of the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a council that judged matters
concerning foreign cults and religion, education and public morality. They
thought Paul was bringing them a new teaching to consider. Little did they know
that Paul would not miss an opportunity to share the message and good news of
who God really is.
As
I think about this passage, there are a couple of things for us to think about.
1.
When
we walk around in our city do our eyes see things that cause us to be ‘greatly
distressed’? Are we saddened that many of the people we live by, work with, or pass
by may be confused, misguided, or worse, on a path of destruction that is
leading them away from Christ?
2.
Are
we like the Athenians who were so distracted by the idols in their lives that
they could not fully see the one true God?
3.
Do
we appear ‘religious’ on the outside (wearing our Christian T-shirts and crosses,
having our Jesus or fish bumper sticks, and listening to KSBJ) but inwardly our
hearts live for our own pleasure and gain?
4.
Do
we have the radical courage of Paul to share the true gospel message or do we
keep silent because everyone has a ‘right’ to their opinion and belief?
Finally, don’t be
discouraged; verses 32-34 states that after hearing Paul’s message of God and
the resurrection of Jesus, ‘some sneered’ and others believed. We must remember
that it’s not our job to make others believe, but it is our job to deliver the
message in love. We can not change
hearts but we can challenge them. We can not push or pressure but we can lovingly persuade. Paul would not let
those who rejected the gospel message dissuade him to keep stay silent, rather
he left their presence to continue his ministry and calling to those who would
listen.
I’m praying that God
won’t let me or you off the hook…I’m praying that God heavies our heart with a
burden for the lost and the courage to live and speak loudly about our
Christian beliefs. Where do you struggle the most in regards to the lost? Are
you blinded to them? Are we too much like them to tell the difference? Is our
faith shown outward only? Or do we coward down in tolerance ashamed to take a
stand? Whatever it is God can help you, but you first have to be willing like Paul
to take the time to see…
How are you seeing
these days?
- Christy Garison
No comments:
Post a Comment