February 5, 2012

Acts 17:16-34 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 12:1-14, Psalm 27:1-6, Exodus 10-12

Journal Entry

Scripture

Acts 22-23 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 found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

Observation

By now, Paul was used to preaching the gospel to Jews and Gentiles. He spoke in synagogues and whatever venue he could. Here he is standing in the midst of council and thinkers of Athens and he adapts his message specifically to them. He aligns himself with the Athenians and appeals to their receptivity to learning something new and their receptivity to God. He proclaims that the message of the gospel is from the Almighty God that they have not known specifically.

Application

I have been on a mission - to find men's dress socks that are the right thickness, fits well and stays up. The ones I like the best are the ones my wife bought from Korea last year. So each time I go to a Korean store now, I check out the dress socks. To my disappointment, I haven't been able to find the ones I like. After all, one size doesn't really fit all. I know that I am a bit overboard with my fetish but hey I suspect that we all have our idiosyncrasies. It is like being scratched where it itches: It hits the spot.

The message of the gospel can hit the spot if we are sensitive to our audience. Some people we meet don't believe in the existence of God. Others might believe in another religion while some are spiritual without a specific belief. I met a Christian sister recently whose family members are all Buddhists. She came to faith through her friend who invited her to come to church. What a wonderful evidence of grace of God! To her, it was the friendship and open invitation to church that paved the way to her salvation.

People around us have different needs. We can be stressed, without a job, have relationship strains, experiencing financial hardship or downright depressed. We also have some common need. I think we are all prone to being lonely and need genuine friendship and acceptance. There is a part of us that attests to the existence of God and this void can only be filled by God. Our role is to help people find a way to explore Christianity in a way that best suits them. For some, it might be a gospel track or a Christian Crusade meeting. For others, it may be through a personal testimony or friendship evangelism. Whatever it is, Paul was committed to "become all things to all people, that by all means (he) might save some (1 Cor 9:22b)

I sense that God wants me to be more aware and connected with others around me. Rather than trying to force a one-size-fits-all approach, I can do what I can to meet them where they are. It means that I need to have genuine interest in others and listen for understanding. I met some newcomers last week and I realize that they are already seeking and receptive. We (those of us who count ourselves as YNCC members) have ample opportunity and responsibility to reach out to them. I will be more intentional during the "greeting time" of the service and after service to meet others.

Prayer

Father, You work in all things for the good of those who love you. You bring us into contact with others who need You. Help me to open my spiritual eyes and see what you see. Give me the Spirit of compassion to be moved to meet the needs of the people around me. Help me to die to myself that I can go beyond my own needs and be an extension of your love and mercy.

--Jason Kim