Acts 11:1-18 Peter Reports to the Church

The Church, though a divine institution, has been plagued with problems since its birth. Within the ranks of the faithful there was already a debate concerning how to deal with Gentiles. Some believed, those of the circumcision party, that Gentiles had to go through the Jewish ritual of circumcision to be accepted even as Christians, but others didn't. I have to fight the tendency to think and expect that the Church has to be perfect upon the earth. When sinners gather I can't expect perfection, but imperfection. We strive for it, but we have not attained it. I also have to fight the tendency to withdraw from the Church, labeling it hypocritical, because people in it don't follow the teachings of Christ perfectly. I am the chief of sinners and I can't follow his teachings perfectly, but that's why I need the Church. The Church is a place for teaching, reproofing, correcting, and training. If the Church were a Perfect Club there would be no need for all that.

These brothers criticized Peter for entering into a Gentile home and eating with them, something no Jew would do in those days and some even still to this day. Peter was following the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit and yet, he still encountered criticism. I can't expect the work of the ministry to be criticism free. It is part and parcel of what takes place in the dynamics of the Church. I need to grow up and learn to deal with criticism as unpleasant as it may be. There is no such thing as a criticism free ministry. I realize that criticism is not a fruit of the Spirit as some may think, but I have to accept that the Church is a Rehab Center for believers and the Lord is not done with us yet. If I work in the front line of the battle, I will be shot at - guaranteed! And friendly fire is not excluded!

Peter explained the events that transpired with the Gentiles and taught them what the Spirit had been teaching him through a vision. Moreover, the evidence that God was working among the Gentiles just like among the Jews was the pouring of the Spirit after repentance. Peter remembered the preaching of John the Baptist who declared the promise of the pouring of the Spirit upon all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter declared: ...who was I that I could stand in God's way? When God is doing something new, I have to humble myself and accept his ways. True wisdom does not lean on its own understanding, but trusts in the Lord. The Word of God should always be the lamp and guide of my life. Am I listening to God's Word on a regular basis? I should never allow the status quo, even tradition to stand in the way of what God wants to do.

It is very evident that the Apostles were working together and were stationed in Jerusalem. From there, they monitored the activities of the Church as it expanded. The fact that Peter reported back to the Apostles in Jerusalem speaks clearly of an organization that is working to ensure the spread of the Gospel and also learning from the experiences that are taking place in the field. I should not object to the organizational aspects of the Church and its ministries. It is a practical way to stay in touch with what is happening in the preaching of the Gospel and also a way to ensure the proper teaching of the Gospel is taking place. Peter silenced the brothers of the circumcision because the obvious conclusion was that God was working among them as well.

Father, teach me to see the Church as a Rehab Center and not as a Perfect Club. I need your strength to face criticism even as I work in ministry. Help me to seek your Word and be sensitive to your guidance. Amen.

Matthew 11:1-19 Messengers from John the Baptist

I am struck by the contrast between John's and Jesus' ministries. John's ministry was characterized by his asceticism (severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence). Christ's ministry was characterized by eating and drinking with  tax collectors and sinners. Yet neither of them were accepted by the people of their generation. 

Jesus compares the people of his generation to children in the marketplace calling their playmates. These children are manipulative. They want their playmates to fulfill their desires to dance or mourn at their whim; never satisfied with what they get. John the Baptist was accused of being demon possessed. Jesus was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. 

Nonetheless, Jesus and John have one thing in common. They were both called to fulfill a ministry according to the Scriptures. The qualifications that Christ gives to John's messengers are fulfillments of Isaiah's prophecies concerning the Messiah. And Christ pointed out to the people that John was also the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Elijah to come. Their identity and call are reassured. The criticism of the people doesn't matter. They both set out, against all odds, to minister to a generation reluctant to the Gospel.

Our generation is no different. It is a generation used to being served; to being catered. It is a "your way right away" generation. Unfortunately, this attitude has infiltrated into the church as well. But, ministry is not about catering to people's wants. It is about serving people's needs. And the greatest need of humanity is salvation. Ministry is not about style, but about substance. And the substance is the reality of acknowledging God's call to serve him in whatever capacity he desires.

Lord, reassure my heart in my salvation and calling to serve you. Don't let my heart sink when people criticize me. Give me the strength to stand firm with the conviction to serve you all the days of my life. May opposition and criticism never shake my commitment to serve you.