Acts 17:16 says, “Now while Paul was waiting for [Silas and Timothy] at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.” Here begins the story of Paul’s ministry in Athens, the most famous of all the cities of Greece and a marketplace of ideas, religious or otherwise. While Paul was waiting for others to join him, he walked around the city and found it filled with idols. It deeply upset him to see the city filled with idolatry, so he began to preach even before others arrived. The message of Jesus Christ needed to be shared!

It can be easy for Christians today not to hate idolatry as Paul did and not grieve the lostness in our world. We have our normal routines, friendships, schedule, and activities that too easily blind us from the spiritual needs around us. So, would you ask God to give you a burden again for His glory? That you would no longer ignore the idols around you? When was the last time you grieved for the salvation of a loved one? Remember… all of us are called to reach the unreached wherever we are. Find ways to let your spirit be moved (provoked) to share the gospel with someone today.

Breck Merkle