The concept of the "Unknown God" worshipped in ancient Athens (Acts 17:23) has always intrigued me. Athens was full of so many false gods and idols that it seemed the Unknown God was just another one of many gods. However, Paul picked up on the fact that it wasn't just another god. Somehow, in all their crude worship of their assortment of gods, the Athenians knew there was something more. This Unknown God was still there, worthy of worship, though no one knew why.
Paul helped the Athenians understand that the Unknown God is actually the real God. He was unknown to the Athenians because their worship was centered on ancient folklore and the discussion of new philosophies. Each false god that was worshipped represented an aspect of Greek culture or thought, but the Unknown God cannot be described or formed by human hands or imagination. Instead, this God is above all other gods in divine majesty. Yet, He knows us and loves us. His love sacrificed His only Son, and His power raised His Son back to life!
I cannot read this passage without thinking of so many lost people around the world. As Paul said in the passage, we humans all have our being in Him. It is through the Son that everything was created. Therefore, God is very near to every human on earth. Nature itself testifies to the Lord daily. Many of these cultures spend their time worshipping flase gods based on tradition, ideology, and (all too often) fear. Meanwhile, the Unknown God still waits patiently for the worship due Him. The Unknown God pursues all people, drawing hearts consistently to Himself. Reports by Jesus Film teams in Africa say that men and women have gathered to see the Jesus Film and have trusted Christ, exclaiming, "I just dreamed about that man last night!" This is only one of many ways the Unknown God is making Himself known to the world. May we be placed in circumstances to reveal the Unknown God to people all the time. It is a beautiful thing when the Unknown is revealed in blessing, honor, glory, power, peace, beauty, and love!
2 comments:
You must be reading the one year Bible as I am because many things you have posted recently have corresponded to that days reading. I noticed it particularly today because I just finished reading that passage 5 minutes ago. By the way, I was taking to Rebeckah Perry last night and she gave me your phone number. I hope you don't mind. It sounds like things are going well for you and Natasha. You guys are in my prayers.
Hey Lynn! This is christy and I just discovered a link to your blog while reading rachelle's blog.
It's very nice to read your thoughts on the one year Bible passage for the day. I'm enjoying the adventure of reading it and have found my mind open and anxious to learn more...with it broken up in little bits per day, the information sticks and intrigues me. Thanks for your thoughts! Be blessed!
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