Acts 17:19
"May we know what this new
teaching is that you are presenting?"
The apostle, Paul,
had arrived in Athens to proclaim the truths of the gospel to all who
would listen. The Athenians were a people known for their
intelligence and culture, the city filled with magnificent
sanctuaries and temples that represented the people's national glory
and worship of heathen deities. As Paul looked upon the beauty of the
architecture, statues, and paintings of the city of Athens, he must
have felt some pity for the people who were ignorant of the true God.
Although Paul felt very much alone in this great city of intellect
and art, he was determined not to stand idly by, but to preach Jesus
to them, as the Son of God.
Do we ever catch
ourselves getting so caught up in the "business" of 21st
century life, with all of its intellectual stimulation and
materialism, that we forget where our focus needs be? We must always
be open and receptive to the Word of God, whether it is during the
course of a busy day or during a quiet time of reflection and prayer.
If we allow ourselves to open our minds and hearts and resist the
distractions and temptations around us, we WILL hear the voice of
God.
With the love of
God in our hearts and souls, we will never feel alone or unsure of
the truth. Acts 17, verse 19 reminds us that we must not stand idly
by, but must share the Word of the Lord with all those who will
listen. In a world filled with uncertainty, suffering, and
hopelessness, it is our duty as Christians to reach out to the
peoples and proclaim what we know to be true.
Heavenly Father, we give thanks to
you for the opportunity to spread the Good News to the people. Pray
that we will always be open and receptive to the love of your Son,
our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
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