Unexpected Places
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprusand Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:19-26
Insight
It can be tough living in a world full of barriers and boundaries, where divisions run deep and societal norms dictate how we interact with one another. But the story of Peter's revelation shows us the profound impact of God's love. Acts 11 reveals a pivotal moment in the early church, where Peter, once bound by cultural constraints, encounters the radical truth that God's salvation transcends the confines of tradition.
Imagine being in Peter's shoes: a devout Jew finding himself among Gentiles, sharing a meal with those he once considered beyond reach. It was more than a meal; it was a scene that challenged centuries of ingrained biases. For ages, the Jewish community held tightly to its exclusivity, shutting out anyone who didn't fit its mold. But in this moment, God's grace breaks through, inviting the marginalized to embrace His love.
The significance of Peter's revelation reflects the very heartbeat of Jesus' mission. He didn't come to uphold divisions but to tear them down, bridging the gap between Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider. Through His sacrifice, He welcomes all who would come.
Enter Barnabas, a voice of encouragement sent by the early church to affirm the blossoming faith among the Gentiles. His journey to Antioch unveils a community transformed by God's undeserved favor. God's grace takes root in a once unworthy city, yielding redemption in unexpected places.
The message is clear: God's love knows no bounds. What once seemed impossible becomes reality as God's embrace stretches beyond comprehension. Our journey towards Jesus and community mirrors this pursuit of unity.
In our own lives, we often build walls, dividing 'us' from 'them.' We cling to comfort, hesitant to venture beyond what's familiar. Yet, God calls us to embrace the unexpected, extending His love to those seemingly distant from us.
Forgiveness breaks down barriers, opening the door to genuine togetherness. But embracing community is easier said than done. It demands discernment, resolve, cooperation, and a willingness to grapple with the implications of resurrection together.
From our intimacy with God, we're drawn together around this new reality, empowered by His Spirit to live as His people. Like Peter, may we boldly share our table. Like Barnabas, let's be bearers of encouragement, affirming God's work in the most unlikely places. In doing so, we join in the story of redemption, where every soul, regardless of background or circumstance, finds a home in God's boundless love.
Reflection
In what ways do your personal biases and comfort zones hinder your ability to extend God's love to those different from you?
How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God that empowers you to embrace the unexpected and participate in God’s story of redemption?
Prayer
Lord, help me to see beyond the boundaries I’ve constructed and embrace the diversity of Your creation with open arms. Give me the courage to break down walls of prejudice and fear, allowing Your love to flow freely through me to everyone and anyone. Guide me in my journey of faith, that I may be an agent of reconciliation and a vessel of Your boundless grace. Amen.