Up On the Housetop
Easter Day: First Reading, Acts 10:34-43
The title above actually bodes better for the text just preceding what we are considering, but it is so integral to our text that it must be included. And the title is a good way to make connections. “Type and Shadow.” One of my favorite ways of seeing the Old Testament. God constantly used pictures and imagery of the reality of a coming Redeemer first mentioned in Genesis 3 to point his people to his artistry in crafting the entire salvation narrative. And it is a work of art. On our side of the resurrection, although the resurrection was much more recent than it is to us, Peter is well into his mission of carrying the gospel to all who will listen in the community of the circumcision. And he finds himself, I imagine his head to be spinning, with a call to speak to a Roman centurion. Imagine that. Long story short, Peter is on the roof during the time of prayer and God crafts a vision that is meant to convince Peter that he is indeed on track in answering a call to Gentile hearers. You remember, the sheet filled with ceremonially unclean animals that a Jew was not allowed to touch, let alone eat. God gives instruction to Peter that he must have thought he completely misunderstood. The Father had arranged a meeting and sent envoys out to obtain the keynote speaker in order to bring him to those anxious to hear his message.
Peter had been assured that this centurion from Caesar's army was a true friend to the Jews and is what was known as a “God-fearer.” That’s a Gentile who was just a few steps short of completely converting to the God of Israel. And the message Peter gives in so many words is this: “Christ is risen!” Now Peter explains that to come under the banner of the true Israel one must declare with him that Jesus is “Lord of all.” One must hear the declaration of God’s saving acts for mankind through the death and resurrection of his very own son. And he brings to them a word of evidence based on the fact that this once-dead Savior appeared to many after being raised from the dead. Peter in effect was saying to this gathering of eager Gentiles, “He is worthy of your attention. He is worthy of your allegiance and worship. He is worthy.”
Now I’m not going to tell you the result of Peter’s faithful and Spirit-led proclamation. But there is a clue in my last sentence. Remember this Holy Week that what was put in motion, what was accomplished and ratified by the Father’s good plan had significance immediately after the Savior was raised. And it still does today. The gospel of Jesus, OUR gospel is powerful good news. To gatherings large and small, may we be found faithful to declare what dear Peter had to learn up on the housetop.
- Read Acts 10 in its entirety and enjoy a place in Peter’s great adventure.
