Read Acts 17:16-34
“…he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” v16
Some Thoughts…
As Paul waited for Timothy and Silas to join him, I’m sure he was pretty low in the morale department. I wonder if he was discouraged of recent events of being opposed and pursued by Godless men. Whatever his state of mind we know his emotions had reached a boiling point as he made his way through the streets of Athens. Observing all the idols and the hopeless worship of these man-made images brought Paul to an even greater distress maybe even anger (or righteous-jealous-indignation). So, as a one-man crusader for Christ, he set out to tell the Athenians the truth of God in Christ. He went to the synagogues, the market places, and the intellectual ranks using different methods of presentation in hopes of convincing anyone who would listen … and some listen.
As I sit here this morning considering the life of the great Apostle, and imagining in my mind’s eye his situation, courage, and resolve, not to mention his deep devotion, love and relationship with God, I am struck with the hardening of my heart. I’ve lived in “Athens” too long. I’ve learned to justify idol-like objects in my life, in my culture, even in the church. I find that I’m not moved like Paul to do all I can to rescue those blinded around me. I know if I had been in Paul’s situation, I would have laid low and waited for my companions. I would have probably even indulged in a little “Athenian pleasure” – no body would know … right? But to think to go into every issue I could find knowing that the truth would stir things up. Well, I just don’t think I would have done a thing….. So I repent as I attempt to follow Paul’s example and Christ leadership.
A Prayer…
Father, forgive me for my justification of my culture, for fearing people more than You, for loving fleshly indulgence more than holy living. Dear God, make me more like Your Son. Give me a righteous jealousy for your truths, for real life and not the counterfeits that crop up day by day. Make me like Paul; not like his personality – You’ve instilled in me a different personality type of which I’m content and grateful, but like Paul in motivation and vision and zeal for Your ways, our Lord. Create in me a clean heart, oh God. Amen.