When we think of the highlight moments in the book of Acts, it might be easy to jump to Pentecost, the arrests, the healings, and the missionary journeys. But the reality is, for us as non-Jewish believers, it’s hard to underplay the importance of chapter 10. It is in this moment, as Peter encounters the Roman Cornelius, and receives a vision from God, that the entire trajectory of God’s Kingdom mission is brought into view.

This Jesus movement, this receiving of the Spirit, this invitation to become part of the ‘People of God’ is not only for the Jews but is now undeniably open to those ‘in every nation…’ (v.34). The only requirement is that they believe… that’s all it takes for anyone to ‘receive forgiveness of sins through his [Jesus’] name.’ (v.43).

Of course, this is not a sudden change in direction for God. It was always His intention that the Jews would be ‘a light to the nations’, drawing others into the family. Jesus even explicitly calls for the disciples to welcome people into the family through baptism not just in Judea and Samaria… but even to the ends of the earth!

The good news is for all. No one is excluded no matter what their people group, background, or life-choices. Jesus is for all who believe!

What good news for us 2000 years later!

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Questions:

Does the diversity of our church family reflect the diversity of people who live in our local area? Are there people groups we want to see encounter the love and goodness of God through our welcome?

Prayer:

Father thank you that the good news of Jesus is for all who believe. May we be people of radical welcome and inclusion so that more unexpected people may join your family! Amen.