Jesus Christ is the Answer

As Orthodox Christians we live in a world filled with questions. How did the earth come into being? How were humans created? If there is a god, why is there so much violence and hate in the world, my favorite. Jesus Christ is the Truth, and the truth answers all questions.

In those days, the apostles fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; and there they preached the gospel. Now at Lystra there was a man sitting, who could not use his feet; he was a cripple from birth, who had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and walked. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, because he was the chief speaker, they called Hermes. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the people. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out among the multitude, crying, “Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways; yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” With these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

Acts 14.6-18

When Saints Paul and Barnabas traveled to Lystra they were met by Greek Pagans who believed their own gods had become human and visited them. What was the difference between the Greek Pagans and the Jews who said, “God has visited His people” (Luke 7.16)

Every ancient culture understood the concept of god and creation, even if the role of god was played by creation. It was obvious to everyone that ‘something’ was greater than what they experienced every day.

Today’s reading from Acts is just another example of how God uses the kernel of truth in all people to bring people to Himself. We seem to have lost that art of drawing people into Christ today. We seem to prefer belittling our neighbors rather than showing them Christ.

Does our friend believe in ‘random’ creation as a result of evolution? Today’s reading from Acts gives us the permission to redirect their attention to God THE Creator. Every mystery of evolution is answered honestly by the Church, but we must sit and talk first.

If Paul and Barnabas had just laughed and called the people foolish, the conversation would have ended there. Instead, they drew the people into Christ by starting with what they already believed. If they believed Zeus could become human, then why not the True God?

There is no question that cannot be answered with Jesus Christ, not as a Sunday School lesson, but as Truth. Back to creation for a minute. Genesis reads, “and the Earth brought forth.” Why can’t we use that to bridge evolution with God’s creation?

Remember! God used the stars to draw into Himself those who worshipped the stars. If Joseph had sent the Magi away as fools, an entire race of people would never have heard the Truth of God.

Allow today’s reading to inspire you to search for the answer in Christ, no matter what the question. Most especially when we are with our non-Orthodox friends, searching for the kernel of truth that God planted in their hearts will always draw them to Christ. It worked then and it still works.