Sunday, July 19, 2009

Breaking Barriers III



Lord,

I’ve taken a fresh look at the beginning of Peter’s ministry.
(Acts 9-10-11)

He was a very quotable preacher, but his cross-cultural outreach got my attention.

Early on, he stayed with Simon the tanner.
The man and his occupation were despised by Peter’s people.

Then he visited and baptized Cornelius, the centurion.
The soldier commanded an occupying force.
He was a despised enemy of Peter’s people.

…but Peter exclaims: God does not show favoritism.

The Message translates it this way:

“It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from - if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open…he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.” (Acts 10:34-36)

The challenge persists for “reluctant missionaries” like me:

What boundaries will I break for the Gospel?

Help me, Father, to put prejudice and suspicion aside.
Help me, Father, to see the world through your eyes.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.


Credit: From Scripture Union USA’s Encounter with God, 6/24/09, David Smith – International Christian College, Glasgow

Art: Trevisani, 1709