When I was a young girl the story of Peter (Acts chapter 10) and his dream about the "unclean food" captivated my imagination.  Perhaps because the Bible Story Books my dad read each evening for devotions had such a vivid picture of that story.  As a Christian in 21st Century America, I now feel as if I am living it.

     Never before has the church been challenged to see all of God's creation, including all people, as our mission field.  Of course, many of us are not used to sharing our faith with strangers.  Just as Peter never approached anyone outside his synagogue, many of us don't have any kind of fellowship outside the Christian faith.  Yet, Jesus' Spirit was preparing Peter's (Jewish) and Cornelius' (Gentile) hearts simultaneously to share and hear the gospel.

     This scripture reminds us that God does the work of cleansing and bringing people to him.  Our proof; the cross, his resurrection, work on the Father's right hand and the final consummation to come.  Our call is simple in comparison: to know our risen savior intimately, to be open to his call to "GO TO ALL THE NATIONS" and to use the hands, feet and heart  he has given us to speak Christ's salvation in the world.  Is the Spirit preparing your heart, today?  Yes, then the Spirit is also preparing the heart of the one you will reach?

     Yes, it will be scary at first, but when we are faithful to our call, the joy of seeing another person transformed by Christ's love and grace far over shadows any initial fear we may have.  I'll let the words of Peter, as he returned to the church in Jerusalem, be the final word, "I remembered what the Lord said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'  So if God gave them (the Gentiles) the same gift he gave us who believe in the Lord Jesus, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"  Who indeed, dear friends!  Who indeed!

Blessings, Rev. Ellen