While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. ~ Acts 10:44;48
We read this text not long ago in the Bible Study I lead and every time I read it, I am struck by it.
The circumcised (ie: Jewish) believers were astounded that the gift of the Spirit had been given to the gentiles.
Astounded!
Why are we ever astounded by what God can do?
Why are we ever astounded by who God can claim?
Why are we ever astounded by where the Spirit shows up?
Are there people today who we count out? Who we believe to be far out of God's view? Who we could never imagine God calling? Or God loving?
I am pretty sure someone jumped into your mind right now! (They did for me!)
But over and over and over again, God shows up in the places and with the people who the rest of us tend to exclude.
The Samaritan. The Gentile. The Widow. The Orphan. The Poor. The Sick. The Immigrant.
The Guatemalan Refugee. The Transgender Teen. The Black, Single Mother. The Gay Couple Denied a Wedding Cake. The Drug Addict. The Homeless. The Muslim Prisoner.
God shows up whether we want God to or not, and with whomever we want or not.
We should stop being astounded and just show up ourselves.
God, open my heart to those who get excluded. Forgive me for believing anyone is out of the bounds of your generosity and love. Amen
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