“‘Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.’

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.’ At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”
Acts 17:29–34

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MARCH 21, 2025

As you’re reading the Bible, you’ll find three recurring offices: prophet, priest, and king. In a way, Jesus ultimately fulfills each of them. And, as Christians, we share in each of these three offices. For example, any Christian man, woman, or child can and should practice the prophetic office by reading the Bible, and sharing God’s message of good news with others.

What keeps us from proclaiming the message of hope to our neighbor?

Read again what Paul proclaimed to the Athenians in the Areopagus,

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 29–31

Proclaiming the gospel required Paul to say thing to the Athenians which they may have found offensive…or at least, unbelievable.
  1. He condemned their idols
  2. He told them that God commands all of us to repent
  3. He told them that God will judge the world
  4. He told them that God raised Jesus from the dead

When was the last time you confessed or condemned your idols? Our neighbors probably won’t be interested in considering the speck we point out in their eyes, if we are ignoring the plank in our own eyes. Proclaiming the gospel requires humility and courage.

Fear is what often keeps us from this. Fear that we won’t know what to say, fear that we will be judged, or the fear that we might offend. But as Christians, we ought to fear the Lord with humility and courage. Reverent fear directed upward leads to courage directed outward. In this passage, Paul gives us a great example of what that courage looks like.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • How can you engage in the prophetic role you’ve been given as a believer?
  • Are you willing to be confronted about your idols?
  • Are you willing to confront others—Christians or non-Christians—about their idols? What differences in approach would each require?

 

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, March 21: Exodus 32; John 11 
  • Saturday, March 22: Exodus 33; John 12
  • Sunday, March 23: Exodus 34; John 13