Years ago, my family took a trip overseas to Athens, Greece. The people were warm and lively, the food incredibly delicious; and the Mediterranean colors vividly magnified the sky and sea. One of our stops was Mars Hill, where Paul gave an extraordinary speech recorded in the book of Acts.

So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them (Greeks). “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, TO THE GOD NOBODY KNOWS. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know Who you’re dealing with.

The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines (churches, synagogues, etc) or need the human race to run errands for Him, as if He couldn’t take care of Himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make Him. Starting from scratch, He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; He’s near. Acts 17:22-27 (MSG)

Father God, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to give this remarkable speech and the words are as true today as they were a couple of thousand years ago. Please open the eyes and hearts of people to what is really important in this life and the next. A personal, intimate, vibrant relationship with Jesus! O, that the blinders people wear over their hearts and minds be ripped off and shredded so that they can see YOU clearly. Amen.

For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28a