Scripture
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
Reflection
When Paul came to Athens he was by himself. It doesn’t say how long he was there before he was invited to be a guest lecturer at the famed Areopagus but when he opened his mouth it was obvious that he had learned much about his host city. He takes note of their religious nature; they even have an idol to an “unknown” God. They are worshiping, they are religious and have recognized that God cannot be contained in a temple. He could have easily said something like, “Close enough” and begged off. It’s not enough to be close to the Kingdom of Christ, one must be told about Jesus and invited to believe on His name.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Give God your time. Look ahead at your schedule for the next 24 hours. When can you give God 10 minutes of your time (or more) to rest in his presence and to be still. Maybe it’s right now?
