Today's encouragement comes from Acts 17:16, where we read these words:
“Now while Paul was waiting for [Silas & Timothy] at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.” (ESV)The proper impetus for our spirits being “provoked” because of rampant idol-atry is the glory of God, the fact that sinners do not know the gospel, and the resulting misery that comes to creatures made in the image of God.
Idolatry does not hurt God; but it does hurt us. Paul did not content himself with being “provoked”; instead, he went about engaging the people of Athens, relating to them, quoting their poets, and (most-importantly) preaching the gospel of Jesus and His grace and love to them. Let all the church’s saints do the same.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had [i.e. received] more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lift-ing Up For the Downcast"]
[Puritan quote of the day: "Who ever stayed and waited long upon God, but he had [i.e. received] more than he prayed for?” —William Bridge, in, "A Lift-ing Up For the Downcast"]
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