Fifth Sunday of Easter: First Reading, Acts 11:1-18                   

Acts 11:1-18

The days before us are truly “without borders.” What I mean in that figure is that we live in a society that has truly cast away all moral boundaries. And what is sadder still, folks do not fear consequences because in many cases there are none. In that type of daily culture, there is not much to cause rejoicing; not much to cause the average person to lift their voices with joy or their eyes with hope.

In our first reading of the week we do have rejoicing. We do have exaltation. And it comes at the very end of our text when the realization comes to Jewish believers in Jesus, that He is for them and for Gentiles, too. Those considered by Jesus time to be dogs, pigs or worse in the eyes of Abraham’s children. Well Jesus steps on the scene and shatters the darkness on so many levels, from the heights of heaven to the depths of human depravity. What is the cause of rejoicing in our text? It is the reception of eternal life by those thought to be outside its borders (to borrow a term), and the shattering of hard hearts in understanding that the family of God is available  to all.

Just the other day I wrote on this very subject. But the sentiment bears repeating: “The gospel is for everyone.” To God be the glory.