Acts 17 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I love verses 16-26, Paul in Athens, "22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you."
Paul takes what he sees as important to the people of Athens and uses it as his tool to proclaim The gospel. He uses a moment in time with wise precision to allow God to cut at people's hearts and change lives eternally.
What if this time in history is our tool? What if we've become so blinded by politics that we don't see God offering us a great opportunity to become desperate for sharing hope with those we love and to those in our circles?
Paul did not tell them to simply tear down their idols. He shared the hope of the gospel, and it was that way, truth, and life, that caused many to turn from their idols. Today we scream at folks to turn from their idols, not offering them anything to turn to. Paul told the church at Ephesus they must "put off..." then they must "put on..." I see many telling folks what to put off while never declaring what they must put on. Paul never did that. I think if he lived in our time, he'd never talk politics without an offer to be led by a different leader, that leader a KING, that King, Jesus.
Shouldn't we think differently and allow that difference to make an eternal impact, and not just momentary? We don't need more Republicans or Democrats. We need more Disciples of Jesus Christ.
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