‘When did I become the invisible man? Rebus asked himself. Catching his reflection in a window he saw heft and bulk. Yet these kids teemed past as if he had no place in their version of the world.
‘Is this how ghosts feel? He wondered.’
This is from Exit Music, Ian Rankin’s eighteenth Rebus novel. As usual he not only weaves an intricate plot superbly but also opens the complex mind of his main character. Along the way perhaps touching the psychology of his readers. It’s not uncommon for us to be in a crowded room or a bustling city and to feel detached or even ignored. Like Rebus we might wonder if this is how ghosts feel.
Paul once found himself in one of the foremost cities of his time, Athens. Not only a centre for government and law but known for its vast and varied cultural life. It was where people would gather in the marketplace to debate all the latest philosophical and religious ideas. As Paul drifted through the city centre he would not be recognised but his surroundings had a strong effect on him. We are told that ‘he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.’ (Acts 17: 16). This was obviously a religious people but wildly off the mark in Paul’s mind.
But Paul was not content to drift through the city like a ghost. He wangled an invitation to preach in the local synagogue and to share the revelation he had received concerning Jesus. He also gathered a crowd in the marketplace and as a result of this he was brought to address a meeting of the Areopagus, the political and legal hub of Athens. Paul worked hard to connect with this audience and, although he received a mixed response, some were drawn to the message.
It's a truly remarkable story when you consider not only the cultural heft of Athens but also its spiritual complexity. It was said: ‘All the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.’ (Acts 17: 21). But Paul, the wandering preacher, probably bedraggled and not particularly prepossessing, was not intimidated. He had a message which even the sophisticated Athenians needed to hear. And how did he get going? By simply sharing what he was convinced was true concerning the God who created the Universe, who had revealed Himself in Jesus, and was seeking to draw all humankind to Himself through His Holy Spirit.
Christians may feel detached even ignored because of our faith but no matter how great the challenge we can never be satisfied being like ghosts in our communities. Jesus has called His disciples to engage with men and women, telling the story of Jesus. This was never meant to be an option among many, something for the Athenians among us merely to kick around in debate, but a call to face the reality of Christ who is the way, the truth and the life.
