Provoked

Are you provoked?

Being provoked is different than being offended. It’s different than just getting angry or holding a grudge that turns into a bitter root. Provocation is a combination of frustration and pity  toward  the ignorant. It says, “Father, forgive them  because they don’t know what they’re doing.” Then it consults with wisdom to determine a course of action for a positive change in the culture.

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was PROVOKED within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Acts 17:16

While Paul was waiting for his missionary team to join him in Athens he was so provoked by the cultural ignorance that he didn’t wait for the rest of the team to develop a strategy. He began looking for ways to CONNECT with the people.

"...he REASONED in the synagogue... and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there." Acts 17:17

Among every culture there are always some who are open to the truth of the Gospel. They are reasonable people who will not demonize you because you are different or believe differently. We should look for ways to connect with them.

Paul also preached to the heathen citizens of Athens.

"... he PREACHED to them Jesus and the resurrection." Acts 17:18

Some people appear hardened to the truth. They are not reasonable or negotiable but they could possibly yield under the weight of anointed preaching. Some people will never be open to the truth but we should preach to them anyway. They will soon stand before God and have to answer to why they resisted the truth.

Paul was provoked at what he saw but he never condemned the people. He looked for ways to engage the culture through his observations. (If you have never read Paul’s sermon on the Areopagus, Acts 17:16-31, it is a model sermon for anyone who wants to engage unbelievers.)

"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you…'" Acts 17:22‭-‬23

He was not able to convince all of his listeners. There were some who made fun of him and there were some who wanted to hear more later as well as those who became believers. But it started with Paul being provoked--an attitude of frustration mixed with pity.

Racists, atheists (God-haters), anarchists, bullies, abusers, fomenters, liars, slanderers, sluggards, (indifferent)—don’t let them draw you into a foolish fray. See them through heaven’s perspective and be provoked.

'The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming." Psalms 37:12‭-‬13

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