Once again this Sunday's narrative lectionary Gospel is a timely read for Creator and for our times
Today’s scripture from Acts 15 introduces us to a tense confrontation the early Church faced. It witnesses to a family argument that shaped Christianity. At its heart is a simple but world-shaking question: "Who gets to belong?"
After worship Creator will hold our semi-annual congregation meeting. The main purpose is to elect new council members.
This kind of call discernment looks different now in our Spirit-led community. There used to be greater competition for council positions. Today it centers around who feels individually called or if someone is recognized by another of having the gifts of leadership and accepting it. Open hearts, open minds, and open ears are still essential for this choice to be holy. However, I wonder sometimes if that is recognized by everyone in the congregation
Peter speaks of how the Spirit fell on the Gentiles “just as it did on us.” He reminds them: “God made no distinction.” Paul and Barnabas tell of signs and wonders. And then James, who is rooted deeply in tradition, quotes the prophets, that even Amos saw a day when “all other peoples may seek the Lord.” Amos 9:11–12..
This reading reminds us we are a church learning to interpret the present through the lens of God’s love, not just the past through the letter of the law.
We see in Acts 15 the church in transition. Jewish followers of Jesus were grappling with the inclusion of Gentiles and those who did not grow up within the law or the tradition. Old markers of identity for these followers, such as circumcision, kosher laws, and ritual purity, were being reexamined.
Nationally, we are struggling with American identity in new and unfamiliaqr ways.. This is uncomfortable. For many, this feels like a betrayal of heritage, of scripture, and even of God’s covenant. As these markers of identity are challenged, change may feel like loss. When the foundations shift, we yearn to cling to what we know.
Bringing it back to our congregation on Sunday, we will need to separate Creator members from non-members when voting. However, Acts 15 teaches us an important heart lesson about this separation:
God’s grace is not tied to our graceless gatekeeping.
Hopefully, we continue to aspire to transition from law to love and from exclusion to embrace.
The early Church made a bold decision: Gentiles were welcome as they were. There was no circumcision required in the end. Only a few things were asked for the sake of unity and mutual respect.
This watershed moment affirmed the Church was not be defined by boundaries, but rather by belonging. And this will always matter because we live in a world that still wants to draw lines. Lines will continue to be drawn around our different identities. Lines based on race, gender, sexuality, nationality, immigration status, our politics, theology, and traditions.
Speaking of community, I want to welcome all the new readers of this blog. I invite everyone, old and new, to comment and share on this or any post.
In closing, Acts 15 gently reminds us this morning that God is always crossing any lines we draw. Why should we believe God does this? With it we acknowledge grief for the state of the world while recognizing the Bible as a testament to our love and care. There is a hope we can constantly see with new eyes, and use to understand life's interwoven connections. Finally, this expresses trust that we will eventually take action that will contribute to new healings and transformations in our everyday world.