Pass It On
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Acts 17: 1-34 and Psalms 25:1-22 (NIV)
(Tracey Lee, from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
This devotion looks at Acts 17: 16-34 in particular.
OBSERVE:
Here, you can see Paul’s sermon in Greek, inscribed in a bronze plaque at the place where he preached in today’s Athens!
He knew that there was a hunger in the hearts of the unreached there as he saw worship to an unknown God. Paul capitalized on their need to know why they were created, the boundaries of their life and that there will be an accounting for their deeds in this life.
In today’s world, we may not see articles of worship to an unknown god. But it is there in the relentless search for fulfilment in people’s lives, the compulsive referring to online media, all to cover up the emptiness in their hearts.
I had the privilege of visiting this site, looking at the Spirit inspired words.
It’s likely that Paul climbed the rocky outcrop where the plaque is today and preached to those below. But as I stood and looked at the city of Athens and people beneath me, I was reminded of the words from the song “Pass It On” : “I’ll shout it from the mountain top, I want the world to know, the Lord of Love has come to me, I want to pass it on.”
APPLY:
We can go forth with confidence that people everywhere are searching for God even if they don’t know it, and have this need to be fulfilled. They need to be reminded there is a reckoning for their deeds. We do not have to feel presumptuous about this as we approach them in a loving way.
DO:
I will encourage Christians to reach out to non-believers about their hunger for God which has been covered up by myriad activities. That there will be a reckoning as they know this in their hearts.
I will take an active part in promoting Wesley Church’s emphasis on Discipleship in Society for 2025.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us to bring Your wonderful Good News to the world. Praise You for the inspiration of the life of Apostle Paul as he stood to courageously tell his world that the unknown longings in their hearts can only be found in surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ.
Use us mightily, use us lovingly to spread Your Good News. Through Christ’s Name we ask it, Amen.
