Ignorance overlooked.

"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."

(Acts 17:30-31)

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once said something to the effect of how we humans will often be ignorant, misinformed, or just plain wrong about things. So true. I also heard on a recent Relevant podcast a book discussion from an author who cites how, over the centuries, the very things we've "known to be true" as humans, have been proved wrong (by scientific & sociological advancements). There's so much we have to learn. It helps to have a certain amount of humility.

In the book of Acts, chapter 17, Paul is speaking to the crowds in Athens. They've invited him to teach them "something new," so he proceeds to talk about God's plan for the world (and Jesus!). At one moment, he mentions God "overlooking the times of human ignorance." Yep, we've had those - as humans, as Christians, as Americans, and as individuals. I know I've been ignorant about many things - even issues of God, faith, scripture, etc. I love how Paul mentions that God has grace & patience for us during these times in our lives.

But that doesn't mean that God will leave us in our ignorance. God wants all of us to have a renewed relationship with Him (AND with truth). So we're invited to repent. Repentance literally means "to turn around" and head in a new direction. This can be in our thoughts, through our words, and expressed by our actions.

As we near Good Friday (and Easter Sunday!), I'm reminded once again about how often we humans get it wrong - especially when it comes to God. But there's hope and new possibilities, by God's grace. May I humble myself... and seek God's wisdom and peace... as I seek to walk in new directions in my faith journey.