Scripture:
Acts 17:26-28 ESV
[26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Observation:
Before we get started. We need to know what GOD has to say is important, so if HE says it more than once, we need to pay attention. If HE says it multiple times, we should write it on our hearts. Luke wrote the book of Acts. He was a very well-educated man. In fact, he was a doctor. So for him to acknowledge that GOD made every tribe and every nation from one man was a conclusion that he reached after very careful deliberation, I’m sure. He knew that the LORD had set man in the areas and determined the amount of time they would live for a reason. That reason in his mind was that man would seek after HIM carefully feeling their way to HIM. Luke knew just as GOD knows that if you look diligently. That the truth would be revealed, and GOD would reveal HIMSELF to you. He is never far away from anyone. HIS omni presence would become more clear the more you searched. In fact, it’s how I would assume Luke came to the faith. I’m going to be honest and say that the last verse that was chosen today is a little over my head, but I’m going to take a stab at it. What I see being said is… really, the definition of omnipresence. Luke is telling us GOD is everywhere. He is in everything. He is all around us all the time. Luke, as a medical scientist (Doctor), had made the determination that not only were we made by GOD but that GOD HIMSELF gave us our every breath. We were made in HIS image.
Application:
I started reading the bible 14 years ago, and some would say that’s when I started diligently seeking the LORD. My opinion would be a little different. Let me explain why. The second verse that was chosen this morning said something to the effect of man would slowly feel their way to the LORD, and as I look back on how GOD drew me to HIM little by little. I see how I had been searching for HIM most of my life. Wanting HIM to reveal HIMSELF to me and even at times begging HIM to. I remember a time when I was sitting in jail. I had been in there for a few months. None of my family would take my phone calls. No one was coming to see me. I was alone. Or so I thought. I started reading the bible just to pass the time. I couldn’t read well, but I needed to do something, or I was going to go crazy. I started thinking, what if this book is true and there is really a GOD who loves me enough to give HIS only son’s life in exchange for mine. One night, after reading for a little while, I thought maybe I would try it… maybe I would ask GOD to reveal HIMSELF to me. So, I got on my knees in that concrete cell at the edge of my concrete bed and said a very simple prayer. GOD… if YOU are real, show me I’m not alone. I was slowly feeling my way to HIM. This next part was a little hard for me to believe… but it happened just as I was typing it. I got off my knees, and 2 letters came under my door. Listen, I had been there more than a few months and had not gotten a letter. As soon as I said that prayer, GOD answered it. He knew I needed to see HIM, and HE showed me HE was listening… waiting … wanting me to call out to HIM, and I did HE answered. Now, just like a good skeptic. I thought to myself. There is no way that was GOD. Those letters were already on the way. I didn’t know GOD stood outside of time, and before I was even born, GOD saw me on my knees in that cell and had set in motion that letter to arrive at just the right time. So that I would not be able to ever deny HIS existence. That moment in time was more than 25 years ago, and it has shaped what I know about GOD. HE hears you, HE knows your heart. HE is right there next to you. Waiting for you to look to HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you. The Bible says, ” Seek, and you will mind know, and the door will be opened ask and you will receive.” I know these statements are true. Because I have seen GOD show HIMSELF to me over and over again. Because I am seeking HIM. In Hebrews, the writer tells us, “It’s impossible to please GOD without faith, and GOD rewards those who diligently seek HIM.” My thought is this you want to know GOD, or you would not be reading this. So I challenge you to ask HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you. HE will. Trust me. HE will. But if you ask, make sure you keep your eyes open and your heart in a position to see HIM, or you may miss it or explain it away. GOD wants an intimate relationship with you, and HE is drawing you to that. My suggestion is to surrender. So you don’t have to be in a jail cell asking HIM if HE is real…….. HE IS TRUST ME.
Prayer:
Father, I know you are who you say you are, and honestly, I just want to thank you for showing me that. I just want to pray for those out there today who may be struggling with their beliefs. Those who may be doubtful or wondering if you are real. Father, you have shown me over and over again. Today, I’m asking you to show those who may not know how real you really are exactly who you are. Make yourself real to them. As they seek, you show them that you are in all things. Let us hear stories of how you have revealed your heart to them. I also ask that you would continue to reveal yourself to me. I want to know you more. I want to be the man you have called me to be. Take all my broken pieces and paint a beautiful picture of redemption. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.