Day Fifty-Three

Read Acts 11:1-3, Luke 13:10-14, Gal. 1:6-9 & 1 Tim. 4:1-2

1 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of the uncircumcised and ate with them.”

10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” 13 Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. 14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let that person be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let that person be under God’s curse!

4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

If you have a bit longer :-)

o      You go to a worship service that is Christian in content but Buddhist in format.

o      The worship group replaces the band with a DJ.

o      Your church organises a joint healing meeting with a local spiritulist group.

o      You are invited to a successful Christian healing ministry but have heard rumours that some of the claims have been exaggerated and/or falsified.

o      A Christian friend starts dating an atheist.

o      Your cell group organises a social to the local casino.

o      Your church moves its weekly gathering to the local pub.

o      The church gatherings change from being on a Sunday to a Wednesday evening.

o      A new book is released arguing that meeting at a fixed time on a Sunday is empty religion and that true Christianity should be characterised by spontaneous gatherings only.

o      You are invited to join in communion with a group of other Christians who have replaced the bread and wine with burger and beer.

o      You are invited to a stag/hen weekend and discover that part of the weeked will involve a trip to a strip club.

o      Someone comes to the church teaching that polygomy (having more than one spouse) is biblical and therefore should still be acceptable practice today.

What these statements have in common is that they all in some way challenge either traditional Christian practice or traditionally held Christian ethics. Where they differ is that probably there are some you would feel okay with, others you would not be happy about and some that are in the middle!

In this passage in Acts the “circumcised believers” had both their tradition and their ethics challenged. Abstaining from certain foods was in the law passed down from Moses (see Deuteronomy 14). It was a big deal that Peter violates these restrictions.

The reason this background is important is that at first glance it does seem extraordinary that, faced with such an amazing act of God, the circumcised believers could only criticize. Their response resonates with the seemingly incomprehensible reaction of the synagogue leader in response to Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath.

What startles me most about both of these occasions, however, is how easily I could see myself reacting in a similar way were I to face some sort of contemporary equivalent! You see, I know that when the boundaries I maintain as to what is right and wrong are pushed or challenged in some way I become uncomfortable and defensive. I could easily have missed God in both of these occasions.

On the other hand, however, a certain vigilence and caution as regards challenges to conventional thought is not always such a bad thing! Indeed as the two readings from Paul’s letters make clear, there is such a thing as right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the work of God and the work of deceivers.

The massive question therefore is how do we discern which is which! How do we determine when God is doing something unconventional and new and so, although we may feel challenged, we need to go with it? Or when it is that error or falsehood is creeping in and we need to stand firm?!

(Take some time to think about this question, I’ll share some thoughts on it tomorrow!)

Day Fifty-Two

If you have 10 minutes!

Read at the article on “New Covenant” taken from the Bible Overview Course book:

New Covenant

Much of the hope expressed by the Israelite prophets during the exile period (a bad time for the Israelites!) centred around the expectation of a “new covenant.” This new covenant, it was hoped, would not only fulfil the as-yet unfulfilled commitments of the Mosaic covenant but would somehow go beyond them, marking a new era in God‘s relationship with his people. This covenant would succeed where the Mosaic covenant had not. Not only would God forgive his people’s sins – although he would – but God would also empower his people to finally keep their side.[1]

Key passages in this regard are Jeremiah 31:31-33 and Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:27:

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD,  “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

“And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

Thus, it was anticipated, at the heart of this new covenant would be an outpouring of God’s Spirit not just on the anointed few (as was currently the case) but on all:

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29)

Central to this Spirit outpouring would be the long-awaited Messiah for whom the Spirit would be not just “a source of his own outstanding righteousness, but also…of his immense influence for righteousness, exerted in his fiery cleansing of Zion.”[2] Isaiah 11 is particularly significant in this regard, where it is prophesied that:

“A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might...His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord...with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth...Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist...The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid...and a little child shall lead them...They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

Also in the mix were prophecies about a mysterious suffering servant who at the time was probably taken as representative of Israel as a whole. Few, if any, connected this suffering figure with the expected Messiah. It was only with the benefit of hindsight that this link became clear.

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

The ultimate hope of this new covenant was renewed relationship with God. You see taking Ezekiel’s hope passages as an example, his climax is not that God’s people obtain new life, although they do (37:5, 14). It is not that they can re-enter their land, although they can (37:12, 14). It is not that their enemies will be destroyed, although they will (38-39). Rather, the climax is that in their renewed city, the Lord will be there (48:35).

This is challenging for us, living after this new covenant has been realised in Christ (albeit there are now and not-yet elements to this). Do we see salvation from death as the primary motive for responding to Christ? Or is it the abundant blessing that comes with this new life: the promise of a land free from the curses of sin, a body free from illness and pain? Or are we aware that, as for the nation of Israel, the restoration we await is but a stepping-stone to something greater? For God’s desire is not simply that we have life, but that we have it with him.

---

[1] John Drane, “Introducing the Old Testament,” pgs. 356-357.

[2] Max Turner, “Power from on High,” pg. 133.

Day Fifty-One

If you have 5 minutes!

Look at the timeline below and familiarise/re-familiarise yourself with the key events in Scripture:

If you have 6 minutes 40 seconds…

Check out “Old Testament Timeline—In Doodle”

It is a great idea but not as clear as it could be i.e. I think there are OHers who could produce a better and clearer version (Michelle B. I’m thinking mainly of you!). If anyone is up for the challenge let me know and I’ll be happy to help out where I can.


(For a more detailed summary of Israel's history you can also check out Day Thirty-Three.)

Day Fifty

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

I quite like random world records! For example the record for human mattress dominoes, recently set in New Orleans, when 850 participants were pushed backwards on their mattresses, each person knocking the next person down in usual domino fashion. This beat the previous record of 550, set in 2011 in Belgium. What, however, was slightly disappointing about this record was that it was just one line. There wasn’t the complexity of some domino layouts where you get a line of dominoes that trundles along for a bit before hitting one key domino, which then hits two, which then hit four, which then hit eight… and a mass multiplication of domino falling occurs (if that makes sense!).

The reason I’ve run the risk of looking like somewhat of a domino geek is that what we have in Acts 1-10 is a bit like the one straight line of dominos… so…

There is Jesus’ mandate then ascension in 1:8-9 leading to the pouring out of his Spirit in chapter 2 and the witness to Christ that occurs in many languages.

This leads to a confused crowd and so Peter’s explanatory speech, including Joel’s prophecy: “and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” – the significance of which, as we’ll see, even Peter didn’t totally get at the time!

This leads to many within the Jewish nation turning to Christ which, in turn, leads to a bigger community, which leads to practical problems and the need to appoint some organizers including, notably, Stephen.

The strength of Stephen’s ministry leads to opposition and thus to his brilliant speech, within which he – through highlighting God’s actions outside of the key establishments of the Jewish faith – lays the foundation for what is to come.

His faith and grace-filled death is then witnessed by a man called Saul! (Who later meets Jesus – who sets Saul apart for ministry amongst the Gentiles.)

Stephen’s stoning then leads to the persecution, and so scattering, of the believers and thus to Philip’s preaching amongst the Samaritans and the conversion of an Ethiopian.

Peter, who has already seen God’s work amongst the Samaritans (i.e. the not-quite-Jews!) is now in place for the final domino to fall… an encounter with a Gentile called Cornelius.

Or in picture form!

However, what happens after Acts 10 is the exponential effect of one domino hitting two, which then hit four, which then hit eight…

…for in Acts 10, the Church has gone into Jerusalem…

…it has gone into Judea…

…it has gone into Samaria and is now poised for…

                                    …the ends of the earth!!! 

If you have a bit longer :-)

The reference to “human” dominoes is particularly apt in this regard as throughout Acts, as in the rest of the Bible, we see God constantly weaving his incredible plans through the lives of free and fallen individuals.

• Think through the Bible as a whole. What key things within it does God do without working through the lives of particular individuals?
• Plot a domino diagram for your life. What are the main dominoes within it? Does seeing God’s work in and through your life lain out in this way build your faith for the future? If so, in what way?

Day Forty-Nine

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 10:34-43

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Peter is struck by the revelation he has had that God is welcoming to all those who put their trust in him, not just the Jews. However, it is not an indiscriminate acceptance…

• What do you think Peter means by those who fear God and do what is right?
• How does this qualification fit with verse 43?
• What application might all of this have for us today?

If you have a bit longer :-)

In a similar vein, I was asked recently to speak at a church on the subject of inclusive community. I based this talk on the Parable of the Prodigal Son and I’ve pasted an extract below:

…It is the Pharisees’ attempts to convert people to their particular doctrine and behaviour that Jesus contests so strongly. Pharisees, Jesus argues, focus on minor details of the Law (at least, their interpretation of it!) whilst neglecting the Law’s underlying ethos (e.g. Matt. 23:23). They value external piety above internal purity (e.g. Matt. 23:25). In fact, as we see the parable of the Prodigal son, they focus so much on adherence to their legal code that – somewhat ironically – they think that by ticking all the right boxes they are being faithful to the Law, and therefore God, even whilst rebelling against him! Further, for a Pharisee, repentance was a sombre and contrite affair, to be characterised by ‘prayer, fasting, and mourning.’ The repentant was required to change their behaviour, in particular adopt the ‘weight’ of the Pharisees’ legal code; only then could they be welcomed by God, and thus the Pharisees.[1]

In contrast, for Jesus repentance is joyful. Further, his acceptance of people and offering of forgiveness precedes any change in behaviour – it requires only faith and a desire to receive help (e.g. Lk. 5:20; 19:1-11). Repentance, in Jesus’ eyes, simply means turning to God in humility and acknowledging one’s sinfulness (e.g. Lk. 18:9-14). Further - and what would have angered the Pharisees the most - for Jesus, repentance is intrinsically connected with himself; those who are “found” are those in fellowship with him – those who follow him.[2]

And so as we come to think about what it means to be an inclusive community we have our first challenge! Do we simply point people to Jesus or have we, perhaps without realising it, adopted any kind of Pharisaic legal code that people have to subscribe to before they’re really welcomed? Do we accept people just as they are – with all their baggage, idiosyncrasies, problems, failings, weaknesses and so on – or is the subliminal message that we convey something along the lines of: “Sorted people only please.”

Are we creating a community within which people feel just as free to cry as they do to laugh? Do we allow people to express their real questions, beliefs and doubts? Will we welcome and include people as they are? Or, if we’re honest, do we expect them to change first?

In response to the Pharisees grumbling, Jesus tells 3 stories… all about something or someone that is lost being found. We’re going to focus on the third of these, the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Now, in this parable there are two sons and Jesus is addressing two distinct groups of people: “tax collectors/sinners” and “Pharisees/scribes.” It’s, therefore, safe to assume that each son is representative of one of these groups – albeit not an exact match – and that the reckless younger son points to the first group - the “sinners.”

I don’t know if any of you have heard of or watched the TV soap East Enders? I’ve seen it a few times but I don’t particularly like it, mainly because the characters are usually so nasty to each other. The opening part of this parable is like a scene from East Enders; the younger son is incredibly rude! In Jesus’ day, asking someone for your inheritance early was like telling that person you wished they were dead! In doing so, the younger son both insults his father and completely rejects him; it is as if he’s saying to his father, ‘Dad want your money but I don’t want you!’ And this, Jesus implies, is an indication of just how badly those he’s now eating with have treated God.

You see, through this parable, Jesus is not denying the fact that the people he’s been hanging out with have made some bad choices. He’s not saying: “Hey Pharisees, stop grumbling. These people haven’t done anything wrong. Loosen up! Their lifestyle may not appeal to you but - hey - I’m fine with it!” No!!! On the contrary, Jesus paints a shocking picture of the damage these people have done to their relationship with God (who, we’re assuming, is represented by the father.)

If we then keep going with the story, we see that the younger son gets in a lot of bother and decides to come back. His father runs out to meet him and restores him to full sonship again. And then we hear no more of him. But can you imagine the outrage if, in Jesus’ story, the younger son – having been so graciously and warmly welcomed back – then went off again, this time with his brother’s money for example! While not completely inconceivable, this would seem an incongruous ending. Rather, the unstated assumption, at least in my mind, is that the younger son now does his best to honour and love his father. He’s not instantaneously perfect - but he is different; he is changed!

Similarly, when people meet Jesus, they don’t stay the same! Thus, while being accepted by Jesus doesn’t require a change, it does induce one – which is an important distinction!

And so here we have our second challenge when wanting to maintain an inclusive community; a challenge which, when combined with the first, presents us with a difficult task. How can we create a community that readily loves, welcomes and accepts people just as they are… but also introduces them to a Jesus who won’t have them stay that way!

You see, if we just had one of these challenges we’d be fine! If, like the Pharisees, it was all about getting people to change; if we were just concerned with getting people to behave in a more Christian-like way (whatever that looks like) then we’d be fine. We could greet people at the door with a huge check-list: Have you this week done any of the following: Drunken too much alcohol? Indulged in self-pity or unhelpful fantasies? Harbored jealousy or bitterness? Lied? Sworn out loud or in your head? Watched an unsuitable film? etc... If you tick more than 3 you’re out! We may not get many people get in – certainly I’d be outside – but it’d be easy! Clear! Measurable!!!

Equally, however, it would be easy if we just chucked right and wrong out of the window. Come in! Welcome! So you set up Internet scams to steal people’s money? Fine! No problem, it’s not how I like to behave but if it works for you that’s okay. Oh you keep stealing off elderly and vulnerable people. That’s fine. We don’t like to judge around here so come in, be yourself!” Okay, so it would be carnage but easy. No uncomfortable confrontations, no need to risk anyone’s wrath by telling them they’re in the wrong. No need to walk with people as they make shaky steps forward before crashing back a few before moving on again…

To be an exclusive community is easy. To be an inclusive community that does not and will not stand for anything is easy! But both of these options fall well short of what Jesus is calling us to do. And that is to walk in a tension. To walk in a tension within which – on the one hand – we follow him in welcoming, accepting and loving people just as they are. We don’t ask people to put on their Sunday best! We don’t ask them to leave their true personalities, doubts, questions, weaknesses, failings and so on at the door. Rather we welcome and love everyone in exactly the place they are currently in. And yet, on the other hand, we also follow Jesus in displaying a love and a grace that induces change. We make it clear that not all choices are morally equal. We make it clear that we follow a God who is not indifferent to sin and its consequences. That there is such a thing as right and wrong and – while it’s often hard to know what this looks like in particular situations – we believe God’s given us significant insights.

And so the big question is this: How do we walk this tension? How can we faithfully represent a God who loves everyone just as they are but loves them too much to have them stay that way?

• Any thoughts?!

---

[1] France, Matthew, 861.

[2] Nave, Repentance, 171; 168; 222.

Day Forty-Eight

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 10:21-33

21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only human myself.” 27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with Gentiles or visit them. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

www.oration.com

As you can see on the map above, the distance from Joppa to Caesarea was not insignificant – it is about 30 miles. This wouldn’t be a long way in the car but by foot or horse it was a bit of a trek. I am, therefore, impressed by the faith of Cornelius who – following his vision – not only immediately sends people to get Peter (who presumably he’d never met) but also gathers his family and friends to his house so they can meet him when he arrives. If I try to imagine what my response would have been, I sadly suspect that I would have waited to check this guy was actually going to show up before getting people round! His faith resonates with the faith of the centurion in Luke 7, of whom Jesus’ famously (and provocatively!) remarked: “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” And his faith is rewarded as Peter arrives poised with a proclamation from God that will impact not just his life, nor just that of his friends and family, but one that’s about to burst out amongst the whole Gentile world.

• Do a quick faith audit! In what ways have you put you faith into practice this week? Have there been times when you could have exercised more faith?

If you have a bit longer :-)

Jesus’ commendation of the centurion in Luke 7 was provocative because he was basically saying that a Gentile soldier had exercised more faith than any of the Israelites he had met. The Israelites, however, would have no doubt imagined themselves to be the people with the most faith – not this outsider!

• Are there any groups of people, or particular individuals, who you (perhaps subconsciously) do not really believe would ever demonstrate faith in Christ? Ask God to change your heart in this regard and impact the lives of these people or person.
• Are we ever too quick to judge the faith of others? Similarly, are we ever too quick to judge our own faith by comparing ourselves to the faith we perceive others to have?
• For example, it is easy to judge faith just by the external indicators we see in people’s lives. However, perhaps in God’s eyes the person desperately clinging on to faith in him through difficulty and pain has more faith than the person who appears to be flying but has not faced such great challenges? Similarly, it is interesting to read the role-call of faith in Hebrews 11 and see a whole mix of very different lives all commended for their faith. For example there is Noah, who uncomplainingly got on and built a massive boat, but also Sarah, who laughed in disbelief when told she would finally have a child. There is Rahab, the prostitute, who protected Israel’s spies and Jepthah, who foolishly pledged a human sacrifice – something God hates! There is the mighty (but reluctant) leader Moses and the devoted (yet mistake ridden) King David. Then there is a whole list of others, some who saw amazing miracles and others who were rejected and mistreated. However all these people, in their success… in their weakness… in their strength… in their failings… all had faith. On the inside, they all trusted God. On the outside, the results looked very different.
• One of the most helpful talks I have ever listened to concerns the relationship between faith and theology. I massively recommend it. It’s called “The Dangers of a Strong Faith and a Weak Theology” and you can access it here! (You do have to pay for it but it would be £3ish – it’s $4.95 – well spent!)

Day Forty-Seven

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 10:9-20

9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

Although Jesus set out the mandate of reaching the “ends of the earth” before he left – in fact, even though it was implanted into Israel’s original DNA back in Genesis 12! – Jesus does not press it home until here in Acts 10. Further, as I’ll outline later on, there were a series of incidences that led and built up to it.

• What does this teach us about times when we feel we have something important to share that we think other people just aren’t getting?
• How might this affect our own decision-making?
• e.g. I have decided that I will start a PhD in theology in September 2012. I have been fairly sure that this is what I would do for about two years and yet, until now, couldn’t quite commit myself to going with it. So, on the one hand, you could argue that I could have been more faith-filled and gone for it sooner! However, on the other hand, there has been important stuff that God has done in my life over the last two years which hasn’t just been crucial in terms of helping me make this decision but will, I am sure, also be hugely important in terms of equipping me in this challenge. Thus, even though in some ways I could have made this decision a while ago, I’m glad I didn’t! And so, I guess my question is this: how can we help one another to discern when we are procrastinating against something that God has called us to do (and so we just need to get on with it); and when we have heard a genuine call but God doesn’t want or expect us to rush into it straightaway?!

If you have a bit longer :-)

• Why do you think God forbade the eating of certain “unclean” animals back in the Mosaic Law and yet allows – even instructs it – in this passage?
• On what basis do we determine what else from the OT has changed post-Jesus and what has stayed the same? (This is a HUGE question I realize, so think about it for a bit but don’t let it stress you out!!! It will raise itself again when we get to Acts 15.)
• Why do you think Peter was so reluctant to eat these animals (in his vision!)?
• Why do you think Jesus gave Peter this vision about food, which left him a bit baffled, rather than just appearing to him and saying something along the lines of: “Listen Peter, I want you to start telling the Gentiles about me!”?
• Is there anything in your life at the moment that you think God is calling you to do but which you’re struggling to walk into because it would mean breaking an internal or external “law” you hold onto? How can we help one another to walk more freely in this regard? (By “law” in this instance, I mean something that we’re bothered about but God isn’t! – obviously I don’t mean that we should be encouraging one another to free ourselves from the laws against stealing, oppressing others, speeding and so on!)
• e.g. I reckon I’d be much bolder in sharing my faith if I wasn’t so bound by my internal “law” against offending people. This isn’t to say I think I should go around deliberately offending people but rather that I’m fairly sure my fear of the latter inhibits my faithfulness in the former.

Day Forty-Six

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 10

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. 

9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 

17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 

22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only human myself.” 

27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with Gentiles or visit them. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

If you have a bit longer :-)

• Read the whole of Acts 10 again and, in your imagination, try and put yourself in Cornelius’ shoes.
• How do you feel when you first have this vision?
• Who do you think this guy Simon Peter might be? Why do you think God wants you to fetch him? What do you think he might do and say?
• What are you thinking, feeling and doing whilst the people you have sent are away? Do you doubt at all that this guy will come back with them?
• What are you thinking and feeling as you look out of the window and see him approaching? Your family and friends are all there. Do you wonder what they’ll think? Are you nervous about what Peter will say? He looks like an Israelite and they don’t associate with Gentiles, do they? Will he even come in?
• Imagine Peter is there and talking with you. How do you feel when he declares that God has made you clean?! How do you feel as you recount your dream?
• How do you feel as he tells you about Jesus? You’ve heard of this guy but didn’t get it before. What is it like as the Holy Spirit now comes upon you and opens your mind up to understand and believe!

Day Forty-Five

If you have 5 minutes!

Read Acts 9:32-43

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Philip’s Journey’s (Acts 8)

Probable route of Philip’s journey’s in Acts 8 (from www.ccel.org)

It is likely that “the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda” were those who had responded to Philip’s proclamation. Thus just as Peter had gone to Samaria to see what God was doing up there, so too he comes to Lydda and to great effect as a man called Aeneas is miraculously healed and many turn to the Lord. Luke’s focus then moves from one individual to another, this time a lady called Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek) who, incredibly, is raised from the dead!

• Is it surprising that in such a brief summary of historical events (Acts covers a period of over 30 years in just 28 chapters) there are so many stories that focus in on particular individuals? Is there anything we can learn from this?
• What do we learn about the early church from the fact that, when this lady died, her community immediately sends a couple of men out to get Peter?
• Is it significant that Peter sends everyone else out of the room before he prays for Dorcas? If so, is there anything we can learn from this?

If you have a bit longer :-)

Professor Blaiklock (this week’s commentator of choice!) notes:

“Strict Jewry held the trade of a tanner (43) as unclean, because of the constant handling of dead animals it necessarily involved. The fact that Peter is found at the close of this chapter lodging with Simon the tanner, indicates that a measure of Jewish prejudice was already banished from his thinking. We have noticed the subtlety with which Luke suggested Paul’s mental preparation for the catastrophic experience of chapter ix. Within similar significance the closing verse of the chapter prepares the way for the narrative of chapter x. Indeed reflection upon his position and the calling of his host may have provided the raw material for Peter’s dream.”[1]

In other words, he argues, just as there is the strong suggestion that God had been preparing Saul for his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, so too does God seem to be working in Peter’s heart preparing him for the dramatic events about to unfold in the next chapter.

• What do we learn about God from this? Does God’s patience with people, and the time he takes to prepare them for his calling, challenge us at all in our relationships with one another? (i.e. Are we similarly as patient both with others and ourselves?)
• Is there anything in particular at the moment that you feel God is nudging you towards? If so, what makes you think this?

From gardenofpraise.com

---

[1] Professor E.M. Blaiklock, “Acts,” pg. 90.