Paul in Athens (Part Five)

Scripture: Acts 17:29-31 (NIV)

[W]e should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. ³⁰ In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. ³¹ For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.

Devotion:

            We conclude our look at Paul’s testimony before the elites of Athens today. Paul has been practically been begging the Athenians to repent and follow Jesus. He has given reason after reason why belief in Jesus is superior to any of the gods that the people currently worshipped. Now, Paul concludes his argument by letting the people know that God will judge them through this Jesus, whom God has raised from the dead.

            While few, if any, of us have ever worshipped a representation of God made of stone or metal, we are all guilty of worshipping gods that are not gods at all. Our gods are not as obvious as some massive stone carved by an artist's hand. Our devotion is not as costly as giving up something as a sacrifice. We, nevertheless, have our systems of worship and devotion to the objects we hold dear. Our gods demand our attention by beeping, buzzing, vibrating, and other annoying methods to secure our attention.

            To the people of ancient Athens, having idols everywhere served the same purpose. They did not have the technology of modern civilization. What they lacked in electronic technology, they made up for in artistry by crafting hundreds of idols of every shape, size, and description. It seems that the human species has the desire to worship built into our souls. No matter how sophisticated and modern we become, we cannot shake the urge to worship.

            The modern soul thinks it has advanced so far that it does not need to worship. Traditional religions are shunned as being backward and unenlightened. Just like Paul at Mars Hill, today’s thought shapers attempt to show us that we have moved beyond needing a God. While it is true that attendance at Christian worship services has declined dramatically, most people still believe in God.

            What should those who name the name of Christ do to show the relevance of Christ to new generations? First, we must become a people of deep prayer and spirituality. Second, we must stand firm in our proclamation of the gospel. We invite all to repent of the worship of our mini-gods and come to the altar of the living God. Finally, we must become a people of unity and love, reaching out to the world and offering help to the struggling masses outside our church doors.

            Let us pray that these things may happen soon:

            Father in heaven, we come before your throne today offering a sacrifice of praise. We thank you for the salvation you have provided in your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. May we be faithful witnesses to Your unfailing love. Help us to show forth your love for this world, which has been gone after other gods. Please help us to extend the call to repentance and forgiveness to all those who have rebelled against your ways. May all we do and say bring glory to your name. Amen.