Unity & Diversity
In Acts 11, we encounter a pivotal moment in the early Church, where unity and diversity collide in powerful ways. This passage challenges us to recognize God's expansive plan for humanity and to align our lives with His will, even when it defies our expectations.
The Jewish believers in Jerusalem initially criticized Peter for eating with Gentiles. Their concern was not about what God was doing but about what Peter was doing. This highlights a critical lesson: God is about accomplishing His plan, not our preferences. The vision Peter received in Acts 10 wasn't about dietary laws—it was a revolutionary message that God's grace includes everyone.
It's easy to miss what God is doing when we fixate on others' actions. As the preacher observed, during a pivotal Chiefs game, everyone focused on the kicker while missing the player who blocked the kick. Similarly, have you ever gotten so focused on what someone else is doing that you missed what God is doing? This calls us to shift our focus to the bigger picture of God's work in the world.
Peter’s response to criticism was simple: obedience to God. He said, “The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles.” This obedience brought about transformation, as God’s Spirit moved powerfully among the Gentiles, affirming their inclusion in His family. Unity begins when we say “yes” to God’s call, regardless of societal or cultural barriers.
Repentance often carries a negative connotation, but Acts 11 reframes it as an invitation. Repentance isn’t a punishment; it’s a gateway to God moving. This gateway opened for the Gentiles and led to their full inclusion in the Church. Similarly, when we embrace repentance, we create space for God to move in our lives.
At the cross, Jesus dismantled walls of division. Acts 11 reminds us that you can’t rule anyone out of grace. From the thief on the cross to Saul becoming Paul, God's transformative power reaches the most unlikely individuals. This challenges us to view others through the lens of grace rather than judgment.
When the believers in Antioch witnessed God’s work among the Gentiles, they moved from seeing diversity as a problem to treating it as a priority. God’s priorities are our priorities. This shift resulted in the Church's growth and the believers’ first being called Christians—a testament to their unity in Christ.
If division arises, we must reevaluate our perspective. The preacher poignantly asked, *“God may be doing something you can’t see...or don’t want to see.”* Forgiveness and humility allow us to align with God’s work and embrace the unity He desires for His Church.
The sermon concluded with a powerful question: Are you open to His Spirit moving in us and through us? We are not called to be mere spectators but active participants in God’s mission. This requires hunger for His presence, willingness to obey, and courage to embrace change.
Acts 11 is a reminder that God’s grace knows no boundaries. When we align our hearts with His vision, barriers dissolve, priorities shift, and His kingdom advances. Let’s move forward with a commitment to unity, diversity, and obedience.