Our scripture from Acts 10 this week made me think back to a time when I found myself convicted by this passage. On a men’s retreat I found myself passing judgement on two of the men who had been invited to attend. One had a speech impediment that caused him to always be a beat behind everyone when we were singing or praying together. The other was wearing dirty clothes and needed a bath. That first night I was thinking they don’t belong. They are going to spoil everything for the rest of the group.
I imagine that Peter had some of those same thoughts where the Gentiles were concerned. Now I didn’t have a vision like Peter. But as the weekend went on, I could see God at work. The out of sync singing became an echo for us. The other man proved to have much scripture memorized that he could recite for us when we needed to hear it. God’s point is that it is not up to us to decide who belongs and who doesn’t. Our only responsibility is to go, and tell the good news about our Savior, Jesus, the Christ.
In 1 Peter 2:9 we read: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession.” (CEB) We are God’s people, all of us, warts, and all. Praise God.
Creator God, thank you for including all of us in your kingdom. Amen.
Always, to God be the glory!
Paul
Paul Greer
Worship coordinator