Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius

The meeting of Cornelius and Peter was momentous for the history of the Christian faith.  Their meeting showed that Christ overcomes and transforms the barriers of culture. Cornelius takes the risky first step forward, worshiping the God of another culture, only to find that God is the God of everyone, not only the Jews or even the Romans. Peter has the courage and obedience to receive Cornelius, to believe God's desire to associate with Gentiles.
Culture blockades the faith of many. Are we primarily Americans (or whatever nationality) or are we Christians first and foremost? Can we see through our cultural blinders to see the light of Christ as it shines in others?  Do we let down our guard so that Christ can shine more through us?
May Christ shine in us for all!

Acts 9.32-43 - Peter: God's First Responder

Why do bad things happen to good people?  Where is God's justice when it comes to the world? It is easy to say that Tabitha's death ultimately glorified God.  Yet so many good people, who, like Tabitha in this story from Acts, are "devoted to good works and acts of charity," get sick or die. We cannot understand. Many unethical, destructive people live long lives or remain in power; many self-giving people die young or have obstacles in their way. We call upon God for healing, but we know that is not always God's will. Paul says that God's ways are inscrutable (Romans 11.33). There is much we can never understand about the divine, other than God's presence and grace.  Life does not follow our understanding of justice, the human ways of keeping score.  Despite our injustice, God's steadfast love and mercy endure forever.
Tabitha's story links us to the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11.  Many people died on that day.  Many of their stories glorified God. None of them deserved death. We cry out to God, grieve, and seek to overcome evil with good.
We are also reminded of the people who stepped forward and were willing to die to rescue others. Many ran away from the towers to escape, few ran towards.  Many acts of rescue and compassion rose above the occasion.  Like Peter, many overcame the fear, sadness and desperation surrounding them to show the dignity of God's creation in humanity. Many gave.
Thanks be to God!

Acts 9.19b-31 - A Little Help from His Friends (and God)

Early in his ministry, Saul/Paul had a rough ride.  First, he had to escape from Damascus over the city walls in a basket.  Then, he had to escape from Jerusalem to the coast and on to his home city of Tarsus.
None of this was possible without his friends in Christ.  Without his friends, he would have had to chance going through the gate of Damascus and risk being caught.  Without Barnabas, he would not have received an acceptable introduction to the Apostles. And without friends, he could not have escaped the Hellenists.
Paul's ministry depended on God.  And God always sent friends to rescue Saul from the danger and minister to him in his suffering.