Our scripture this morning is Acts 17:24-27.
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
In this passage Paul speaks to the people of Athens of God’s omnipotent power and how all things flow from Him. He warns them against the worship of idols, that only the one true God is worthy of our praise and that He wants to be connected to us. God waits for each of us to return to Him in repentance that we might be forgiven and renewed.
We know this teaching, but do we live it? Down through history God has sent faithful messengers to remind us of His love, but we have not always listened. Yet God continues to be present, “not far from any one of us” (v. 27).
God has made a way for all to be saved through the sacrifice of Christ. All we need to do is give up our sad human striving for things and live as Jesus taught, loving God and one another. He has offered us eternal life, it is up to us to accept His gift and be willing to share that joy with the world.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our selfish ways, wanting worthless temporary things. Help us to know the way You intend for us and to help others walk in the light with us. Amen.