Sharon and I had the opportunity to take a cruise on the Mediterranean. We traveled with Sharon’s brother and wife who also celebrated their 50th anniversary. We had a great time meeting people who were from areas other than Minnesota, seeing various sights, and enjoying each other.
We scheduled tours at the various ports where the ship docked. I was looking forward to a couple of stops—that of Athens, Greece and Ephesus, Turkey as the accounts of Paul and the missionary journeys were always something that was fascinating to me.
At Ephesus, Paul encouraged the people who were “ever loyal to the Lord”. Then he shared something we all need to hear. All of us have special gifts or abilities—“some have the gift of preaching well, some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.” I am grateful that God didn’t give us the same gifts but using our gifts together we have everything we need to be a blessing.
The disappointment for me was that I was ill the day that Ephesus was toured. Sharon was able to take photos of the area and reported it was the best part of the trip. I was grateful that I was sick for only part of the day and was able to experience Athens where Paul traveled on his second missionary trip.
In Athens, we saw where the Romans built many temples to many gods. Paul stood on Mars Hill and could see these many temples/gods and was given the opportunity to share Christ with those who were meeting to discuss philosophy, religion, and laws. Paul didn’t miss the opportunity to tell about Jesus and his love for all of us.
Paul began his sharing by referring to an altar to the unknown god. He then introduced the audience to a living God who wasn’t made with wood or stone, but a God who knew and loved each one of them. Some of the people laughed but others wanted to hear more.
Today, that seems to be the case also—some laugh at our belief but all need to hear the story of God’s provision for our sin. Just as in Paul’s time we serve many gods. They are not made of stone but are gods like popularity, success, beauty, sports, education, time, wealth, and many other ways we may put something ahead of our commitment to Jesus.
What are your priorities? What do we put ahead of our desire to follow Jesus? Do we spend more time doing “life” than seeking life through study of the Word, through prayer, through worship and allowing the spirit to work in us?
Jesus, help me to love you more than loving my comfort, my desires, and help me be more like Paul and have his desire to share Christ’s love. Amen.
George H. Bonnema