January 24, 2022 -- Acts 17:16 -- Despising the idols of this age

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Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
Acts 17:16 ESV

Paul was provoked in his spirit—what a great expression. When someone provokes you, their teasing might go a few steps too far and you react in anger or act to defend yourself. When a circumstance provokes you, your sense of right and wrong is tested and tormented until you must speak up for what is right and true. Paul’s zeal and love for God the Holy One, was tormented by the godless idols which the Athenians worshiped.

I wonder, how often has your spirit been provoked by the idols of our age? The Canadian government has approved Bill C- 4—the so-called Ban on Conversion Therapy. It is one of the idols of our age—that sex and sexuality should take precedence over everything. It is an internally inconsistent law as well. If a heterosexual man questions his sexuality, then it is great, and actively encouraged, that LGBTQ2 proponents should convert him to perversion. If an LGBTQ2 person questions their orientation and seeks advice or help, then a heterosexual person, by definition of law, cannot help. What gross inconsistency, what idolatry. What a perversion of all that is right and holy.

Abortion is another idol in the land. It is egregious how many babies are slaughtered day after day. Two years of pandemic has meant many necessary surgical procedures have been cancelled, but hospitals still perform abortions as if this were necessary. Ironically—”my body, my choice” with regards to abortion, does apply to the vaccine. The state will now decide what you will choose, or coerce you into this. It is the idolatry of the age. With regards to the various vaccines and boosters there is an implicit blind trust in human wisdom and science which is conducted with no reference to God and His creation.

The idol of human feelings is another idol which ought to provoke Christians. In any healthy society there will be disagreements—political, medical, theological, and so on. Canadians are an incredibly diverse people; and yet we are bound together in one land. However the cultural elites at universities and those of particular movements now speak of feelings as if these were of utmost importance. It is another perverse form of idolatry. Consider this illustration. I feel bad when my doctor tells me I have a sickness. But I must know the bad news in order to know the hopeful news of a treatment. If Canadians are going to find a way forward, it must be in a context where there is respect for each person, every opinion, and the recognition that any true and deep discussion will result in differences of opinion. Core beliefs can not be dictated by a prevailing government, a particular movement or ideology.

Dear fellow followers of Jesus Christ. When your spirit is provoked by these, and the plethora of other, idols which litter our age, do not be discouraged. The LORD our God is seated on His throne. His people live under democracies and tyrannies. His people live under Marxist rule and Communist rule. His people are slaves in some countries and free in other countries. No matter the circumstances nor the government, believers have true freedom in Jesus Christ. Speak truth to the powers of this age, aware that people in power may imprison, may fine, may tax, may take away freedoms, but the only, true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. When one is gripped by His grace, any hardship endured is cause for praise that here on earth one should be counted worthy to suffer for the Name.

Pray that many wounded people, confused by the competing idols of this age will finally, fully, turn to Jesus Christ. Pray that Christians will be refined, by the fiery trials of these times, so that there will be greater purity in service to Jesus Christ. Speak up. Where you are, when you have the chance, with the confidence that the Spirit of God will give you the right words at the right time and give you the grace to be silent when the time is appropriate for silence. Read the word. The confidence a believer possesses is not anchored in a political party or a world government or a particular charismatic leader—but all hope is found in Jesus Christ—The Savior of the World, the King of kings. Praise God. When the believer praises God and worships Him alone, the idols in his own life are revealed, thrown down and despised. When a believer praises God, the Almighty One, true perspective is regained and one looks up to the throne of grace finding all grace and mercy for every moment of need.

We urgently ask You, O Lord, let the power of the Holy Spirit be present with us, that the Spirit may both mercifully cleanse our hearts, and protect us from all adversities; through our Lord Jesus Christ—Amen.

Based on a prayer from the Leonine Sacramentary, A.D. 440;

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