So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, ‘Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?’” vss. 2-3
Acts 11:1-10
When the disciples received their commission to go with the gospel and proclaim the good news of Jesus they did not know what the Holy Spirit had in mind for them. They never dreamed that the traditions and customs of Judaism that were so dear to their hearts were going to be challenged. So when word came to the Jerusalem community that their leader, Peter, was consorting with the uncircumcised they were astonished. They could not imagine what had possessed him to profane the faith in that fashion.
This was the first great challenge faced by the Church, but it was by no means the last. This is what happens when faith is Spirit-driven rather than tradition bound. Jesus didn’t leave his followers a book of answers for every conceivable question. He breathed his Spirit into them and left them blowing in the Wind – every day was going to bring something new. It’s not very comfortable to be in that situation! Sometimes old ways need to be discarded and we have to learn to embrace the new. Many times there will be missteps, and often mistakes will be made. Through the years there have been amazing and unforeseen changes. And as the Spirit has led the Church to be more diverse and inclusive there have been amazing blessings, even when some have not been pleased.
Thought for the Day: How do we know that changes are Spirit inspired?
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