Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. Acts 17:21 ESV
Our dogs are curious. They climb up on end tables and sit on couch cushions to look out the window and watch all the activity. If they are asleep upstairs and hear a door, they bolt upright, their heads tilt, their ears stand at attention and they fly down the stairs to see who has arrived. Riding in a car is an adventure with new things passing by the windows to observe and enjoy.
The disciples were curious about the time frame of the last days. They asked Jesus and he told them that he himself did not know when the last days would occur. He tells the disciples in Acts 1:7, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” Jesus explains the signs of the last days in Matthew 24 but in verse 36 he explains that even the angels do not know the day or hour when he will return.
It is good to be curious. Jesus says in John 5:39 that we search the scriptures because we want eternal life and the bible testifies of Jesus. In our verse today, the people of Athens were always on the lookout for something new. They were always learning and it was in style to be aware of the newest trends. They asked Paul to tell them of the new teaching of Jesus. In verse 20 of Acts 17, the Athenians say that Paul was presenting a strange idea to their ears and they were curious as to what it meant. Paul proclaimed the good news of Jesus and some believed but others needed to know more.
Without curiosity we would not continue in the faith. We would be satisfied where we are and not want to grow but as the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Eve’s curiosity got the better of her in Genesis when the tempter twisted God’s words. Eve wanted to know more and thought she would be able to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil though God had instructed them to eat of any tree but that one in the middle of the garden.
Curiosity should lead you to spend more time with Jesus. Curiosity is defined as a strong desire to know or learn something. You will have a strong desire to learn his ways and like the disciples want to be prepared for the last days, knowing the signs ahead of time. You will wait with anticipation for his coming, always learning more of him. Curiosity will provide the answer to all who question you about Christ. I Peter 3:15 tells us, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” We will search the scriptures to fulfill our curiosity.
Curiosity should never lead you away from Christ as it did Eve and Lucifer who wanted to be greater than God and worshipped (Isaiah 14). It should bring you to a confident trust in the Savior as you satisfy your curiosity in His word, prayer and communion with Him. Get curious today and seek His face.
Just Another Dog Devotion 