SCRIPTURE: Acts 17:24-34
“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.” (Acts 17:27)
God works behind the scenes, directing circumstances to get our attention.
He cannot force us to respond, but neither can He leave us to our own devices.
That Paul quotes two pagan philosophers (v.28) shows that He even speaks to other faiths and cultures.
It reminds me of the Magi, who followed the stars to find Jesus.
God is God, the Creator and Father of us all, whether people admit it or not.
He maintains and directs creation so it points and draws people to Himself.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
This gives me hope for people who have not met Jesus yet; God is still working on them.
God does not want anyone to perish, He is working all the time, to help people see their need for Him.
He is not far from ANYONE, including those who deny that He exists.
He is also using my own life experiences to draw me closer to Him.
This explains why I keep experiencing frustration when I try to do life or church without Him.
Again and again He reminds me, “apart from me you can do nothing!” (John 15:5).
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that You do not give up on anyone. And thank You for always reminding me to come back when I start to head out on my own. I need You Lord, I want You!
Observations/Application
God is the Creator Ruler giving life to everything. He is Creator God. In the beginning God created and today He still upholds that creation. I am a part of that creation and He gives me life so that I may praise Him. That is my purpose and all mankind’s purpose – to praise Him. To serve Him. To worship Him. To honour Him. To live for Him.
Seek Him for it is He Who gives LIFE and LIFE eternal. He gives us the ability to move and live. And I need to be a ‘mover’ for Him. Not my way but His. Only in Him do I have LIFE.
Live for Jesus.
All for Jesus.
All for Jesus, all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers:
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
Refrain
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours;
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let my eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
Refrain
Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.
Refrain
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified.
Refrain
Oh, what wonder! how amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
Deigns to call me His belovèd,
Lets me rest beneath His wings.
Refrain