The Daily Devotional for Thursday, November 2, 2023: God’s Altar Everywhere

 

The Daily Devotional
Thursday, November 2, 2023

God’s Altar Everywhere

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.”
Acts 17:22 (NIV)

The lively metropolis of Athens was a thriving center of culture, philosophy, and religious ideas. In the midst of this rich environment, Paul observed the spiritual longing of the Athenians, evidenced by their numerous altars dedicated to various gods, including one to an "unknown god." This was not a critique, but rather a keen insight into their quest to forge a connection with the Divine.

This historical episode in Athens serves as a reminder that the inherent yearning to connect with something greater than ourselves is a universal phenomenon. Our personal altars may not necessarily be tangible or explicitly religious, yet they manifest in our ambitions, hopes, dreams, and even our fears. Much like the Athenians, many of us have 'unknown god' spaces within our hearts, symbolizing our doubts and queries regarding the Divine.

In contemporary society, we may not worship Apollo or Zeus, yet our world is no less spiritual. As the novelist David Foster Wallace pointed out, "Everybody worships," but he also issued a cautionary note: "If you worship money and things… then you will never have enough.… Worship your body and beauty… and you will always feel ugly.… Worship your intellect… [and] you will end up feeling stupid." Our modern, secular era has its own deities, and they are far from harmless.

During his visit to the Agora, Paul addressed the Athenians, saying, “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22). He went on to introduce them to the one true God, portraying Him as the Creator of everything (vv. 24–26), who desires to be known by humanity (v. 27), and has revealed Himself through the resurrection of Jesus (v. 31). This God is not a product of human craftsmanship, and unlike Apollo or Zeus, He is not a figment of human imagination. Moreover, unlike money, beauty, or intelligence, worshiping this God will not lead to our detriment.

Ultimately, our god is whatever we depend on to provide us with a sense of purpose and security. The comforting truth is that when all earthly gods fall short, the one true God is ready and waiting to be discovered (v. 27).

Reflection:

As we reflect on this verse, let us ask ourselves whether our faith is based on a genuine relationship with God or on mere religious observance. Do we seek to know God personally, or are we content with going through the motions? Let us strive to deepen our understanding of God and His Word, seeking to know Him more intimately and to live out our faith in a way that truly honors Him. In doing so, we will find true fulfillment and purpose in our spiritual lives, and we will be better equipped to share the love and truth of Christ with others.

Application:

1. Recognize the Altars: Today, look around and identify the 'altars' in your life. What do you prioritize? What are the things, ideas, or people you value most? Understanding these can give insight into where you might be seeking fulfillment or meaning.

2. Acknowledge the Unknown: It's okay not to have all the answers. The very fact that the Athenians had an altar to an unknown god showed their humility and openness. Embrace the mystery of life and faith, knowing that it's okay to have questions and uncertainties.

3. Connect with the Known God: Paul used the altar to the unknown god as a starting point to introduce the Athenians to the one true God. We too can turn our uncertainties into opportunities. Dive deeper into Scripture, prayer, and fellowship to grow in understanding and connection with God.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,  we recognize that in our hearts, we have many altars, some known and some unknown. Help us to discern what drives our pursuits and to align our hearts with Your will. Guide us in our journey of faith, turning our uncertainties into deeper connections with You. May we always seek You in all things and find fulfillment in Your eternal love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

In the vastness of our universe and the complexities of our lives, the omnipotent God seeks a personal relationship with each of us. Will we recognize Him amidst our altars?