Dad Devotional Day 20

The Slot Machine

Acts 17:16–34

I once went to a casino in Reno Nevada.  Walking by the slot machines, I was amazed at the numbers of people toiling away in vain to win a buck.  Tired and slouched from hours sitting on padded vinyl seats, they were usually accompanied by an ash tray of cigarette butts just as crumpled as their bodies.  Everywhere there were shinny slot machines singing the promises of rewards if the patron only sit before it. 

St. Paul must have felt similarly walking the streets of Athens in 51 CE.  The city was only about 20,000 in population and much smaller than the prominent Corinth, five times its own size.  It was old and run down with its population longing for the greatness of their past.  Walking down the street, Paul sees idol after idol each promising its patron a bit of hope.  The newer and fancier, the better the promises.  Surely a god made of gold is more powerful than a god made of stone! 

Then Paul sees a unique idol . One that is barely noticeable.  This idol is different.  This one looks a bit old and hastily made.  On its pedestal there is a roughly carved inscription stating, “The Unknown God”.  This idol is for the chronic worshipper.  This one is for the person who has tried all of the other idols and none of them have come through.  This idol is for the person who has hit rock bottom. 

Leading Paul to the Areopagus, the local philosophers asks him to teach a lesson.  His lesson is startling and he tells them “the God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” (Acts 17:24).  To the men of Athens, this is a complete reversal of the divine role.  They serve the gods and in return the gods watch out for their interest. 

Drawing on their own culture, Paul takes them one step further, calling them sons and daughters of God.  The God they should be seeking is a man and He has come.  He is Jesus of Nazareth, was crucified, dead and resurrected.  This resurrection is the proof of the hope they have been looking for in all of their other idols.  Upon hearing Paul’s argument, many in the crowd jeer and make fun of him.  But not everyone. 

In the casino there was one unassuming slot machine.  Tucked away in the corner and forgotten by all, except the most devout casino patron.  This is the slot machine Paul is talking about.  This slot machine is the one to go to when all others have taken your money.  This slot machine is unlike all the rest, because it actually pays out. But it doesn’t want your money.  In fact, the coin was inserted long before you showed up.  All you need to pull the lever and you will receive the reward.  Christ is the slot machine, the coin, and the payout.