Lunch with Jesus
Reading and Commenting on the Book of Acts
Read Acts 10:9-33
I enjoy most of my lunch dates. Good food and company always has a positive way of breaking up the day. Almost every strategic meal becomes a learning experience. The more people I meet, the more I learn about life, creation, and people. But never have I enjoyed a lunch date like the Apostle Peter.
While Peter was praying and waiting for lunch to be prepared, Jesus came to visit in the form of a vision.
His message was clear: "All people matter to God."
Until his lunch with Jesus, I'm pretty sure he was not convinced that all people matter to God. Raised in strict Jewish customs and laws, Peter knew the God-fearing life-style but did he understand God's motives behind them?
For example, Jewish law was very clear about separating oneself from non-Jewish fellowship and behaviors. But why? Was it because Jews are better than everyone else? Here's the point. When the reason behind laws and customs are not fully understood, the ultimate goal will not be accomplished.
God wanted the attitudes and behaviors of the Hebrew nation to be admired so that the rest of the world would be drawn to them and ultimately to God. Instead, in many cases, arrogance, pride, and prejudice were being cultivated and undetected in the hearts of well-intentioned people.
I sometimes wonder how our homes, schools, and workplaces would be different if we shared more lunch hours listening to God.
Here are some thoughts to ponder:
God calls his people to live in contrast to the unhealthy ways of the majority.
Not only does this increase the odds of personal happiness, it woos people to God through our example.
Looking down on others is not one of the virtues associated with godly living.
We won't be tempted to do this if we compare ourselves to the proper model - Jesus Christ.
Our motive for living a godly life should be to reflect the nature of our Creator.
Living a life in the path of Jesus is our gift back to God. When a person becomes a lover of God, they become a lover of all.
Love does not deny the existence of evil but lives in contrast to it.
It's easy to notice the darkness and to focus upon it. But cursing the darkness does not change anything. Being light changes everything.
Reflection Questions:
Have you invested enough of your time considering the motives behind all of God's commandments?
Why do you think we tend to compare our growth against other people instead of Jesus Christ?
Why do you think some can get sidetracked cursing the darkness instead of building a fire of light?
