Acts 17: 16 While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
OBSERVATION
At this juncture in Paul's ministry we connect with him at Athens. he has just been teaching God's word in Thessalonica and Berea. Some religious leaders, however, caused great difficulty for Paul and their actions make it necessary for him to leave. While following the Holy Spirit's lead he went to the city of Athens. We are told that he was 'waiting' for Silas and Timothy to join him. Verse 16 & 17 stood out to me as I read this section of scripture because Paul accomplished some Kingdom business while he was 'waiting'. he saw the spiritual emptiness and did something about it. The city was full of idols but empty of spiritual life.
Wow! When I''m waiting for someone, I usually just hang out and accomplish nothing. I call it Killing Time - This happens frequently when I accompany my wife on a shopping expedition. I will sit on a bench and you guessed it... I 'Kill Time. I also get caught up in 'People Watching" when I am waiting for someone or something to happen. It brings a smile to my face when I catch some of the idiosyncrasies and silly actions that people do as they go about their daily activities. I know it's sick and I may need some therapy but it is a cheap price for some entertainment. After reading this verse, however, I realized that I am wasting some valuable time and an opportunity for God to do some Kingdom work through me. Do you find yourself doing the same thing? Col 4:5 tells us to make the most of every opportunity. It may be at a stop light while waiting for it to turn green. It may be at Starbucks or on a bench outside a maul. God wants to show something to you about people and their need. While you are waiting, God can work through you.
APPLICATION
I don't think I will stop watching people in my times of waiting because it is SO MUCH fun. I am going to to more, however that merely watch. I am going to pray for them. I will ask God to reveal a need they might have, a family member they are concerned about or a bill that needs to be paid. As I 'People Watch', I 'm going to become a watchman for God (Ezek 33:7) While I wait for the next thing to transpire, I will pray for our city and county because there are idols everywhere. If you and I do this, we will 'redeem the time - Col 4:5
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for being involved in our daily times. While we are waiting, while we are sleeping, while we are going about our daily activities, you are at work. Thank you for men like Paul who actively pursued you and was stirred by the Holy Spirit because there were idols that filled the land. May we be among those who carry a burden for our city and set ourselves to tearing down the idols of darkness.
APPLICATION
I don't think I will stop watching people in my times of waiting because it is SO MUCH fun. I am going to to more, however that merely watch. I am going to pray for them. I will ask God to reveal a need they might have, a family member they are concerned about or a bill that needs to be paid. As I 'People Watch', I 'm going to become a watchman for God (Ezek 33:7) While I wait for the next thing to transpire, I will pray for our city and county because there are idols everywhere. If you and I do this, we will 'redeem the time - Col 4:5
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for being involved in our daily times. While we are waiting, while we are sleeping, while we are going about our daily activities, you are at work. Thank you for men like Paul who actively pursued you and was stirred by the Holy Spirit because there were idols that filled the land. May we be among those who carry a burden for our city and set ourselves to tearing down the idols of darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment