I Am a Messenger

So Paul stood up in front of the council and said: People of Athens, I see that you are very religious… God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him. He isn’t far from any of us, and he gives us the power to live, to move, and to be who we are. “We are his children,” just as some of your poets have said.

Acts 17:22, 27-28 (CEV)

The epitome of art, intellect, science, culture—the city of Athens, Greece, was the glistening jewel city of the time. Leaders of the world bustled through the city streets, passing sculptures and architecture admired for centuries. People gathered to hear deep ideas that influence our society even now.

God sent a Christian named Paul into all of this. Having been persecuted and on the run for his life, he probably wasn’t very impressive looking. As a stranger from far away, he probably wasn’t very impressive sounding either. Still, he shared God’s message with others. “I see you worship an unknown god,” he said. “I’m here to tell you about the one true God—the creator of all” (paraphrased).

Some people ignored Paul. Some mocked him and laughed at him. But some listened… and came to faith in Jesus Christ. This made Paul’s mission to that city worth it.

How about you? Have you stood up to tell others the good news of Jesus’ love and grace? Are you afraid they might ignore you, mock you, or laugh at you? Some might. But your words are planting seeds in their hearts that can grow over time. And if even one listens and comes to faith in Jesus, your mission is worth it.

Will you be bold like Paul? Ask God for bravery to tell others about him!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

In today’s world, it’s hard to be different. But God calls us to be different and stand up for the truth. How can you start sharing about your faith with others? Brainstorm some ideas. Ask other Christians in your life for ideas, too. And then pray for boldness to follow through!

INSPIRATION

“Believing in God is as much like falling in love as it is making a decision. Love is both something that happens to you and something you decide upon.”

—Donald Miller, American author of Blue Like Jazz

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Refer to the tabbed Bible references to read the passages today.

Psalm 19:1

Acts 14:17

Romans 1:20

Ephesians 3:7-9