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Idols – Day 9

Acts 17:16

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

The Thought

Paul was on one of his many journeys, and had left Thessalonica where he began a small church (verse 4). He left by night because of those opposing him, and that is when he went to Athens (verse 15).

If Paul visited Athens today he would probably have the same reaction as he had then! But how many of the major cities of the world have evidence of idol worship? Even many Christian churches have idols. Many of those statues were designed by talented artists, and are each beautiful in their way. We can admire them, and be thankful for the person they represent, but must not pray to them. They are only wood and stone (Deuteronomy 4:28, 28:36, 28:64, 29:17, Isaiah 37:19, Daniel 5:4).

The apostle Paul travelled further as a missionary than any one else in the Bible. Paul was very vocal about what was good and not so good in the places he visited. Many films and documentaries have been made about his journeys, studying the history of the places he visited.

Action

Read some of those verses above, and remind yourself of them throughout your day today. Note some of the art work you see around you, and praise God for Christian artists who use their talents to serve God.

Praise The Lord for missionaries who travel to distant places (and some not so distant) to share the truth of Jesus, letting people know that He is not dead, but alive and reigning in Heaven by His Father’s side.

Praise God that His Holy Spirit is still going to and fro on the earth and hearing our conversations.

If you are a traveller, think of some of the places you have visited and the things you have seen; Pray for more evidence of Jesus to be seen in those places.

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