For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship,
even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you…
Acts 17:23
Not all heathens wear loin cloths and have bones in their noses. Some, in fact, wear ties and have Ph.Ds. The common bond between all pagan groups is that Christ is not their Lord and they worship something that can neither give hope nor satisfy.
When the Apostle Paul was invited to speak at the Areopagus in Athens, he addressed some of the greatest intellectuals of his day. These philosophers delighted in debating any new worldview. They were ready to take on Paul. The old missionary accepted the challenge because he could see seekers of truth among them. He didn’t hesitate for a minute to tell these learned men that they hadn’t found the light, yet, but that he’d be glad to introduce them to this Unknown God if they’d listen.
Many people today would take offense at Paul, feeling that he was presumptuous to “push his religion off on others.” For some reason, they have the idea that the lost don’t want or need the Lord Jesus, because they already have something else.
Those people don’t realize that many folks throughout the world rejoice at the message of sins forgiven and eternal life. They want more than anything to know the only true God. However, until someone takes the initiative to tell them of Christ and the salvation He offers, it all remains an unknown.
August 21
