For in him we live and move and have our being. – Acts 17:28
Yesterday’s verse referred to how “we see in a mirror dimly… [and] know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12) those things that will be perfect in the hereafter. Today’s verse is part of Paul’s message to the philosophers of Athens – men who studied and searched for new ideas in creed and opinion, and yet who knew little truth and whose studies gave them little knowledge of God.
They actually had many objects of worship, but Paul recounts that “I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god’” (Acts 17:23). While they worshiped many gods, they recognized there was still something missing. Paul pointed out that “the God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” (v. 24). He needs nothing from humans. It is God who “gives to all mankind life and breath” (v.25).
In the midst of his pain, suffering, and grief, Job proclaimed of God that “in his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10). It is good to keep this in mind, especially when pride would tempt you to think that you are in charge of what goes on in your life. Your every breath is dependent on the Lord of life.
Those who have believed in Christ as Savior understand that “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Pray for those in this country who know little truth about God and His precious care for them. Intercede for leaders to recognize their need to depend on the Lord who gives life.
Today’s Verse: Acts 17:28
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.‘
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 33:8-12, 16-18
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
16 The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
