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

Breaking Barriers II

Michelangelo, Saul's Conversion

Lord, I read Saul’s conversion story this week…with a new perspective. 

(Acts 9)

At first, it was shocking. A contemporary commentator* compared him to a Muslim radical.

…but Saul encountered Jesus. The fanatical, violent opponent of the new Jesus movement was transformed into Christianity’s greatest evangelist, St. Paul.

Who do we consider beyond redemption? Can I pray for enemies of my nation, the difficult neighbor or the coworker I mistrust? Could they become brothers and sisters in Christ?

Help me, Father, to love those who are different from me. Help me, Father, to see the world through your eyes. Use me to bring someone beyond hope into your family, that we both may encounter Jesus.

In His name, Amen.

* - N.T. Wright, Bishop, Church of England

Credit: From Scripture Union USA’s Encounter with God, 6/20/09, David Smith – International Christian College, Glasgow

~ ~ ~ ~

Was St. Paul's experience unique?
I believe God makes regular appearances, even house calls!

A tear in the heavens as a storm forms over our neighborhood.

The light in my backyard.

Breaking Barriers

Lord,

I re-read the story of Philip and the Ethiopian this week.

(Acts 8:26-40)

The Ethiopian heard the Good News about Jesus Christ and asked “Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” He was a man of color, a gentile, a foreigner and excluded from the Israelite assembly by their Law.

…but Philip got in the water with him.

What boundaries will I break for the Gospel? What suspicions of nationality or race will I put aside?

Help me, Father, to love those who are different from me. Help me, Father, to see the world through your eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Credit: From Scripture Union USA’s Encounter with God, 6/19/09, David Smith – International Christian College, Glasgow

Illustration: The Bible and its Story Taught by One Thousand Picture Lessons, published by Francis R. Niglutsch, New York, 1910