Athens was a city that was spiritually lost. As I read about the city of Athens and the Athenian council called Areopagus, I read how, at this time that Paul was on a second missionary journey where there were around 10,000 people. The hard part to believe was there were twice as many idols as there were people.
16 While Paul was waiting 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. (Acts 17:16-18)
Paul is amazing. He is brave. He saw the situation he was surrounded by and took action. Paul inspires me to want to draw closer to God. In our world that have idols surrounding us always. I’m convicted and repent for the times I take my eyes off God and focus on the idols of the world.
The Lord was able to show Saul what a genuine relationship is with the only true God we have. Paul did not hold back the truth. There are moments when we need this ourselves. Often we need, even though it is not always warm and fuzzy, to have accountability partners. After Saul, who was living life for himself, became Paul, who then lived his life for Christ, he understood God’s purpose for his life.
Eternal life will not be measured by the length of time; the quality will measure it. Paul saw a need and said something. I’m sure there were mixed reviews. Some kept following idols. Some found eternal life that day.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)
I pray that we will all draw closer to the Lord this week. That we will grow in our love and knowledge of Him so that when we are standing on the hill, we can share the gift of eternal life. We can set aside the idols of the world and look to the one who is standing by our side always.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 This is what the Lord says: ”
Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Live eternally today.