I read Acts 11:1-18, where Simon Peter is criticized for hanging out with the "wrong" kind of people.  You see, Peter and those who criticized him are Jewish, and according to the law they aren't supposed to associate with and eat with the uncircumcised -- or Gentiles.

In Acts chapter 10 you read about Peter going to visit Cornelius -- an uncircumcised Gentile -- after being called by God to minister to Cornelius's family.  Even Peter had a problem with this at first, but God told Peter, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Peter had no excuse to exclude anyone from the message of the gospel because the Lord wants everyone to hear God's message of mercy, grace, and redemption.

How many times do we as Christians try to put limits on God's grace?  How often do we NOT invite someone to church because we don't believe they will fit in? 

This passage is all about breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers, and reaching everyone with God's word.  Like Peter, I believe all Christians are being called to minister to others who may not be very much like ourselves.  the problem is that our own prejudice and bias is squelching God's voice.  It's a shame, and we need to start reaching across to the other side of the railroad tracks on a regular basis. 

At least that's the way this preacher sees it.

Peace,
Ray

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