Searching for Truth - Day 180 Month 6-29 Week 26-5
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Judges 19:22-20:17, Psalm 146, Jeremiah 51:1-14, Acts 13:44-14:28
Searching for Truth
The earth is flat! Though there are relatively few flat-earthers, polls consistently show that between 2% and 4% of the U.S. population firmly believes the earth is flat. I suspect that percentage is similar in other parts of the world. It does not matter how much scientific evidence exists, how many NASA missions have gone into space, how many satellites orbit the globe, or how many people have visited the moon. There will always be some who insist the earth is flat. For those who hold that belief, evidence often makes little difference.
In politics, there is a large group of people in every country who lean conservative and a large group who lean progressive. I know people in Canada who are conservative and would never vote Liberal or NDP. I also know people who would never vote Conservative. Approximately 40% of Canadians identify as right-leaning or centre-right, while about 35% identify as centre-left. The remaining 25% tend to be politically independent. In every election, political parties focus heavily on that middle group because those voters often determine the outcome.
In today's reading from Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath, much of the city gathered to hear them speak. The Jewish leaders became jealous and began contradicting their message. When Paul and Barnabas explained that God had called them to be a light to the Gentiles, some of the Jewish leaders stirred up opposition and persuaded the town authorities to persecute them. Paul and Barnabas then left for Lystra, where they continued preaching and healing.
When they arrived in Lystra, some of the same opponents followed them from Antioch and Iconium. They persuaded the crowds to turn against Paul, and he was stoned and left for dead.
There will always be people who stubbornly hold to a belief even when evidence challenges it. Some believe there is a God; others identify as atheists or agnostics. Among those who believe in God, there are many different faith traditions and perspectives.
I have often shared that I am a Jesus follower. I follow Jesus because of the evidence I have experienced personally and because of what I have come to understand through Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit. I remain open to learning and growing in my understanding of God. An atheist, on the other hand, begins from the conviction that there is no God. Generally speaking, a committed Jesus follower and a committed atheist are unlikely to change positions, although I have known believers who lost their faith and atheists who became followers of Jesus.
The agnostic, however, is often searching. That is the person who is still asking questions and is open to listening. If you are searching for truth, I encourage you to consider Jesus. Like the people who listened to Paul and Barnabas and chose to believe, you also have a choice.
Following Jesus may feel like the road less travelled, but it is a path filled with purpose, meaning, and hope. In many ways, it is choosing to live life to the fullest.
Have a great day!
Steve
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