READ: ACTS 17: 22-33
And one of your altars had this inscription on it: “To an Unknown God.” This God, whom you worship without knowing it, is the one I’m telling you about. (V. 23)
The armistice ending WWI was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was officially changed by President Eisenhower to Veterans Day in 1954 so that it would encompass all who have faithfully served in the US Military. The Tomb of the Unknow Solider, the center piece of Arlington National Cemetery, is a testament to the sacrifice of all who have faithfully served in the US Military. It is guarded round the clock by the dedicated soldiers of the US Army 3rd Infantry Regiment known as the “Old Guard.” In recent years, crypts have been added to honor not only the 2,000 still unidentified soldiers from WW I, but also, the 8, 256 from WW II, the 846 from the Korean War, and the 1,576 MIAs from Vietnam. The white marble tomb and crypts command solemn reverence. They stand in silent tribute to their service. A grateful nation will never abandon nor forget them!
“To an Unknown God” was the Greek way of covering all their “spiritual bases.” On his missionary journey to Athens, Paul discovered a plethora of shrines covering every aspect of Greek life. But, to be on the spiritual safe side they erected an altar to a yet unidentified god. Paul seized upon this opportunity to establish the true identity of the one True God the Father of us all. He is our transcendent Creator; He is sovereign and in control of everything; we do not shape Him to meet our needs or expectations; He is close and personal to each one of us through belief in Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit; He has broken the dark powers of sin and death; and He loves us as his dear children. Unfortunately, the world encourages us to keep God tucked in a storage bin. He is only to be pulled out when our meager efforts to shape and direct our lives leave us disappointed, discouraged, dissatisfied, or disgruntled. However, now is the time to reestablish your relationship with God and make him the preeminent force leading your life. God lovingly created you (Psalm 139). He has not forgotten, abandoned or forsaken you (Joshua 1:9). He is not unknown but real and present (Matthew 28:20) Now is the time to be repatriated into his family through the love and forgiveness of Jesus!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
What role does God actively play in your life? Do you keep him in a box marked— “To Be used in Case Emergency,” or do you actively have a close working personal relationship with him through Christ and the Holy Spirit?
Dear Jesus, help me keep you the primary known active force in my life.