clean and unclean, part 2

Happy St. Patty's day all,
This morning's reading continues our story of Peter and Cornelius. After Peter's vision of a large sheet full of ritually unclean animals that God showed him along with the words, "Whatever God has made clean you must not call unclean" Cornelius's messengers arrive at the door. Notice when Peter gets to Cornelius's house he has made the connection God wanted him to make. The vision was only partly about food, the more important point is that God made people clean so we shouldn't consider anyone unclean. God calls everyone to discipleship and God calls us to welcome everyone.

One of the things I think is funny about this passage is that God is directing every part of this and the human actors are figuring it out as they go. Peter tells Cornelius, "God showed me this so when your men came I went. Do you mind telling me why you sent for me?" Cornelius replies, "God told me to send for you, I'm waiting to hear what God wants you to say." Neither person knows what is going to happen, but they have heard God's call and obeyed. They trust that since God is behind this something good will come out of the situation. I pray that I would have that same spirit and courage in my life, and I pray that you would to.
God bless,
Sam

Acts 10:19-33

19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look, three men are searching for you. 20Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them.” 21So Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming?” 22They answered, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him.

24The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25On Peter’s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26But Peter made him get up, saying, “Stand up; I am only a mortal.” 27And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28and he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?”

30Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o”clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. 31He said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.”