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Read: Acts 17:26-27
Listen: Acts 17

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:27

Paul speaks to the assembly in Athens, distressed that it is a city full of idols and the Greeks don’t know the God of Israel. He notices an altar made to “an unknown god” and begins laying down the foundation that will connect this altar to Jesus, the Son of God. He starts by sharing how God made the world and everything in it, including nations and their boundaries. Even the order of the nations has been crafted by God so that people can know Jesus. As one who has traveled across borders, Paul recognizes that boundaries and government play a crucial role in accomplishing God’s mission.

We too should value God’s created order as we are shaped by our commitment to his Word. Boundaries for nations are necessary and part of his good plan in a sinful, broken world. They offer protection and distinction. They do not dehumanize; rather, they reinforce humanity. Government done well operates in a similar way. Elsewhere in the New Testament, Paul writes that government is used by God to restrain evil (Romans 13:3). There are moments when Jesus followers should speak out against unjust government. Even still, caring for the vulnerable should include interceding for our leaders. We are called to pray for God’s will to be carried out through them. Those who are vulnerable thrive most when evil is restrained.

TODAY: Establish the habit of praying for the government and for its leaders at all levels. Go deeper into our discussion about the Bible and borders on our Beyond the Weekend Podcast. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube.