Daily Devotional for Tuesday, March 14th

The Need for a Sermon in Athens

“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him,
when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry,” Acts 17:16.

A few years ago, while living in Indonesia, we spent a few days in an area that is predominantly Hindu. A custom there is to offer small sacrifices (flowers, tiny snacks, handmade art) to certain gods in return for safety, prosperity and health, and these are placed on the sidewalk in front of homes or businesses every morning. After a couple days of carefully stepping over these offerings, a sadness came over me. All day, everywhere we went, we were faced with the evidence of active belief in false gods.
Paul’s spirit was stirred (provoked, irritated, upset) when he saw the vast idolatry plaguing Athens. Elaborate temples with beautiful architecture honored various Greek gods. Sculptures of the deities were planted like a forest throughout the city. The citizens actively believed these gods could be convinced to intervene in the lives of humans to bring wealth, fertility and health through worship, homage and sacrifices. Their livelihood, the works of their hands, and their intellects were dedicated to specific gods. Without knowledge of the one true God, the Athenians were grasping at any higher power they perceived could help them. As Paul took in the scene, he felt the overwhelming need to share the gospel, the good news of the Most High.
Idolatry is still present today all around us. A quick surf through channels or the Internet reveals what the enemy cleverly tries to disguise. Our society also looks for safety, health and prosperity in earthly, man-made places and will go to great lengths for achievement. Stock market, investments, security systems, vacations, new cars, diet fads, entertainment, competitions, large homes, gym memberships, social media likes, name brand clothing, and even other people are all used to fill that gap. None of these are idols…until we make them so.

THOUGHT: The Lord alone fills our need for safety, health, and prosperity, and there shall be no other gods before Him.

Kelli Reynolds