In Harm’s Way - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2024

Bible in a Year : Isaiah 39-40, Colossians 4

Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed.
Acts 17:34

Today's Scripture & Insight : Acts 17:16-34

On my morning walk, I noticed that a vehicle was stopped in the road headed in the wrong direction. The driver was unaware of the danger to herself and others because she was asleep and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The situation was perilous, and I had to act. After getting her alert enough to move her to the passenger side of the car so I could get into the driver’s seat, I drove her to a safe place.

Physical danger isn’t the only harm we face. When Paul saw worldly-wise, clever people in Athens in spiritual peril because “the city was full of idols,” he “was greatly distressed” (Acts 17:16). The apostle’s innate response to those who flirted with ideas that failed to consider Christ was to share about God’s purposes in and through Jesus (vv. 18, 30-31). And some who heard believed (v. 34).

Seeking ultimate meaning apart from faith in Christ is dangerous. Those who’ve found forgiveness and true fulfillment in Jesus have been rescued from dead-end pursuits and have been given the message of reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Sharing the good news of Jesus with those under the intoxicating influences of this life is still the means God uses to snatch people from harm’s way.

By: Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray
If you haven’t made your way to Jesus, what are you waiting for? If you have, what’s keeping you from telling someone how God has rescued you from spiritual harm’s way?

Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing me from the spiritual harm of my own sin. Please use me to help others who can’t see that they’re in danger.