The Book of Acts: God Want To Be Known

This week’s devotional was written by J.D. Walt. J. D Walt is the Executive Director of seedbed.com. We hope this devotion encourages you this week.

ACTS 17:11-15 (in context)

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

CONSIDER THIS

He was greatly distressed.

Did you get that in today’s text?

It’s what I appreciate about Paul’s approach in Athens. Despite being “greatly distressed” he did not resort to outrage. The gospel permits “great distress,” but it can rarely tolerate outrage, no matter how warranted. Anger will just not get it done.

Today’s world looks a lot more like Athens (with all its idols) than Jerusalem. We have two choices. Unleash our outrage over the loss of Jerusalem or embrace the challenges and possibilities of Athens.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Lament offers a healthy outlet for our outrage: the presence of God. Remember the time Jesus said, “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” I think this is in part what he was talking about.

We have a lot to be “greatly distressed” about, but great distress will never get it done. Only the creative, Holy Spirit empowered love of Jesus can.

To lament the loss of “Jerusalem” enables us to get on with the business of winning “Athens.”

THE PRAYER

COME HOLY SPIRIT!