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February 17
“While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, ‘We will hear you again about this'” -Acts 17:30-32, NSRV
David Ausburger suggests that “being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable.” If you have ever been ignored or overlooked, you can confirm how demeaning and discouraging it can be. You may also be able to confirm how life-giving it is when someone is intentionally attentive to your voice.
In Acts 17, when Paul finds himself in philosophical enemy territory, he uses his voice to make known to the Athenians the “Unknown God.” Paul calls them to repentance, citing an impending judgment levied by the one whom God had raised from the dead. Two responses are noted in the text—those who scoffed, and those who were willing to “hear… again.”
Oftentimes our political, philosophical and theological differences set us at odds with others. We are prone to scoffing at voices that we deem irrelevant. It is here that the text challenges us. Perhaps the reality of a resurrected Jesus should spark in us a desire to “hear… again.”
To hear, we must recognize the humanity of others and acknowledge their voice as valuable. The Areopagus was a space for the hearing of new things (Acts 17:21). In a time when social media algorithms curate our preference of voices, we must be intentional about making space to hear other voices. If our profession of faith in a risen Jesus grants us audience with God to hear our prayers and petitions, then we ought to consider hearing others again. Certainly, we have been enemies of God in our own ways, yet we hope that—because God loves us—God will hear us… again. Jesus’ resurrection can shape our love of neighbor by making us willing to hear…again.
REFLECTION: At whom have we scoffed because of our differences and how can we hear their voices afresh?
Take time today to stop and listen. Take time today to hear voices anew. Take time to truly see and hear with the heart of God as we begin this journey through Lent.
—T. Devan Franklin III
Senior Pastor, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Nashville, Tennessee
Love, Justice & Relationships
The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent. The McCall Lenten series features wonderful reflections on God’s Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information and resources for action. Available in English and Spanish, this Lenten resource is intended for use by individuals, small groups and congregations.
Join us as we journey together through Lent reflecting on these devotions and their calls to pursue justice for all of God’s people.
This passage is originally found in the 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series, prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends. It is a project of love that is designed to be read during the season of Lent, which begins February 14, 2024. Register to receive the daily devotional here.