God of Wonders
ACTS 17:1-34 (June 26)
I love the Christian band Third Day! I have seen them in concert many times, and their music has spoken to my heart in many ways. My heart was saddened when this band dismantled, each going their separate ways to pursue their individual passions.
One of my favorite songs by Third Day is "God of Wonders". I am sure you have heard it, but if not, here is a little bit for you:
Lord of all creation
Lord of water, earth and sky
The heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High
And God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
This is a beautiful song that spreads the message of the wonder and majesty of our Creator. That is exactly what Paul was doing as we read today's Scripture.
In their travels, Paul and Silas make their way to Thessalonica where Paul went to the synagogue and preached for three Sabbaths in a row. His teaching of the Messiah persuaded some of the Jews to join in his belief.
As in every place they went, there was a group of Jews looking to start trouble. They attacked the home of Jason, looking for Paul and Silas. Not finding them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city council, charging them with treason.
"Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world," they shouted. What a compliment, an unintended compliment, that was to Paul and Silas... that their message was stirring people up and making them think differently.
For safety, Paul and Silas were sent of Berea, where they went to the Jewish synagogue when they arrived. (They are RELENTLESS!) The people of Berea listened intently, being more open-minded than the Thessalonians. They had a simple, teachable attitude. They searched the scriptures to make sure Paul and Silas were giving them truth. In seeing that they were, many Jews believed, along with prominent Greek men and women.
But those jealous, angry Thessalonian Jews got word of this and went to stir up some more trouble. The believers sent Paul to the coast with escorts, and then planned to send Silas and Timothy after him.
Paul, being Paul, spent his time while he waited for Silas and Timothy at the synagogue, trying to spread his message. He was in a place where idol worship was everywhere, and he wanted to give them all the truth.
He spoke with the Epicureans, who believed the primary goal of life was seeking happiness or pleasure. He also spoke to the Stoics who places thinking above feeling and tried to live in harmony with nature. They all seemed to think he was a little "off" and took him to the high council to the city. "Come and tell us about this new teaching," they said. "You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it's all about."
Well, Paul didn't need any further invitation. He stood before the council and began to tell them about God. He explained that God made the world and everything in it, he gives life and breath to everything and satisfies every need. He created mankind from one man, decides their days on the earth, and determines their boundaries. He gives them a thorough explanation of God's purpose and plan, and truly defines him as the God of Wonders.
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, it caused some to laugh at him and some to contemplate and ask for more detail later. Many joined him and became believers, including a member of the council.
Another who joined him was a woman named Damaris, who was an idol worshiper. After hearing Paul, she became a believer. By doing so, she became a teammate, a woman in the early church who helped spread the Good News to all who would listen.
What about you? Are you a teammate? Do you devote yourself to spreading the Good News to unbelievers? It can be done in many ways ... through spoken word, written word, your actions of love and kindness, your prayers for others. We can be used in many ways to share this beautiful message of hope and salvation.
There is nothing better than being a teammate for the God of Wonders!