Thursday
Reading: Acts 17
SOAP: Acts 17:24-25
The God who made the world and everything in it, who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone.
When Paul arrived in Athens he discovered countless idols. The city was full of altars and idols and temples to many different gods. They even had an altar to an unknown god so they would not anger any gods by neglecting to offer worship to them.
What the people in Athens were unknowingly doing, according to Paul, was setting aside an altar to the God of heaven and earth. Their desire to worship a god they did not understand showed their openness and need for the gospel.
The God of heaven and earth cannot be contained by temples or houses made by people. He is the One who gives life. He cannot be contained. There is nothing we can give God. He is honored by our worship, but He needs nothing from us. We can rest in the truth that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more or any less. He alone is good and He alone is worthy of praise.
Father God, You alone are worthy of praise. You alone are worthy of worship. Help me identify false gods and idols in my life that I give my time and attention to ahead of You. Help me stay focused on You when I am tempted to stray from the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen