Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“If then God gave the same gift to them as He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Acts 11:17-18
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Julianna Shults.
Acts 11 starts with an accusation. The early church struggled with division between Jewish and Gentile, a term for non-Jews. Some in the early church believed that faith in Jesus meant also following Jewish laws including circumcision. Yet word spread that Peter had shared God’s Word with Gentiles. Critical Jewish believers called Peter out to defend himself.
Church leaders might instinctively recoil at this. Challenging the norms in the church, even to share the Gospel, can sometimes end with the group of fuming members demanding an explanation. The church is often an insular group and accusations can fly when we reach across to those labeled as “other” by race, culture, status, or age.
So, Peter shared how God changed his heart starting with a vision. He explained how God prepared and sent men from Caesarea to his doorstep to hear the Good News of Jesus which led to their Baptism. But it’s the end of Peter’s defense that sticks with me.
Acts 11:17-18 says, “If then God gave the same gift to them as He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.’”
Peter had witnessed Jesus’ ministry across labels and division, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Peter knew firsthand not to underestimate what God can do. Even though Peter is unsure, he follows God’s commands and looks for God’s good gift of faith. Regardless of labels, he baptizes and brings people into God’s family. Rather than pleasing man or limiting God, Peter embraces how God brings salvation to all in his infinite power and love.
The story starts with accusation, but it ends with a celebration that God has given gifts of grace, the Holy Spirit and eternal life to all.
In our church today divisions continue. Will we focus on our accusations? We can always find issues to divide us across race, age, high school we attended, language and more. Or will we seek forgiveness for judgement and celebrate? Through the Spirit, we can focus on the gifts of God that unite us: faith in Jesus alone, forgiveness, grace and new life. Forgiven and in grateful thanks, let us continue to celebrate the diversity of people God has brought by faith into His family.
Prayer: Great Father of us all, you have created each of us unique and desire for everyone to come to a saving knowledge of you. We are sorry for the labels we use to separate us. We are sorry for the times we let divisions keep us from sharing Jesus with others. Unite us as one so that we may all celebrate the good gifts you offer us through faith in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for the Spirit in my Life
- For the Holy Spirit to grow my faith, an ever more confident trust in God.
- For the Spirit to teach me the language of prayer.
- For the Spirit to make my unholy life more holy.
- For the Spirit to round my rough edges and conform me to God’s intention for my life.
Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Cor. 13:14)