The Heathen in His Blindness: Seeing as God Sees

“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16)

The Apostle was not in awe with the beauty of the Parthenon. He was distressed.

Some of us have been to parts of the world where there are beautiful minarets, Shinto gates, and shrines, and beautifully carved statues housed in ornate temples. Do we think like the Apostle Paul? If not, is it because he saw things as God sees them, and we see them like the rest of mankind? May God help us to be distressed with false gods.

''In vain with lavish kindness the gifts of God are strown
The heathen in his blindness bows down to wood and stone. "
(Reginald Heber 1783-1826)

This post coordinates with tomorrow's reading in the #SamePageSummer Bible Reading Challenge. Join the challenge here - we'd love to have you reading with us!
Written February 1984.

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