Acts 17:27-34

“For in Him we live and move and exist.” Such a powerful statement made by Paul as he shares the Gospel message with those in Athens. As I mentioned yesterday, Paul points out that if we are “His offspring,” made in His image, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol created by human hands. We don’t create God—He created us.

Another powerful statement Paul makes is that God overlooked our ignorance about these things in times past, but now He commands everyone, everywhere, to repent of their sins and turn to God. He has set a day to judge the world with justice by the One He has appointed, referring to Jesus, whom He affirmed by raising Him from the dead. Some scoffed when Paul mentioned the resurrection, which leads me to believe there may have been some Sadducean influence in the group, for they did not believe in the resurrection. Yet there were a few who believed and joined him.

Looking back to the time I first heard the Gospel, it was all new to me, and it got me thinking. A seed had been planted. Then God brought others across my path who watered that seed, and I eventually came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. For many of these people in Athens, a seed had been planted as well. Never underestimate the power of a seed. It takes time, but it will grow and eventually burst forth. So don’t give up on those with whom you have shared the Gospel.

With that being said, our job is to carry the seeds of the Gospel and faithfully share them. We scatter them far and wide. Some take root, and others don’t, but the results we leave up to God. God is good about giving people ample opportunities to turn to Him. Trust Him to never stop reaching out to people, for He loves them even more than you and I ever could.