To the Unknown God

In my quiet time this morning, I read Acts 17. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are in Thessalonica, where Paul preaches over the course of three days. A large number of Greeks and some Jews are persuaded, but many of the Jews become jealous, and stir up trouble. Some of the brothers then send them away to Berea where the people are more noble than the Thessalonians (vs.11). However, the Thessalonians hear about it, and come to Berea to stir things up! Paul is then sent to Athens until things calm down a bit. Although it seems like it would be a great trial, having been run out of two cities, and having an angry mob threaten your death, as always, God works things for good. Paul is able to preach the Gospel to an elite group of philosophers in the Areopagus! Although some scorn and sneer, a number are saved.

One of my favorite verses from Paul's sermon in the Areopagus is after he tells of God's sovereignty over the creation of man:

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'" (vs.27-28a)

This verse tells us with certainty that God is always within reach, even to those who have slandered his name a thousand times. However, God wants us to seek Him with everything we are--it's why He created us!

In Christ,
Ellie

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