Paradigm: a pattern, model, or way of thinking
As I was reading Acts 10-11 this week, I was struck by how shocking the events of this passage must have been to Peter … they must have rocked his world, causing a paradigm shift.
Here was Peter, accustomed to Jewish tradition and practices, having never eaten “unclean” meat, but getting pretty hungry. Someone was preparing food, and the aromas must have intensified the longing. Suddenly, he was in a trance and seeing a vision, but it didn’t make sense. Just to make sure he got it, the vision happened three times … a sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds, and the voice calling “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.” Peter’s mind instantly raced, seeing that there were unclean animals in that group, and he protested. Then, the voice came again, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
Still Peter was perplexed. This was different than he had been taught his entire life. This was different than the convictions of everyone he knew. But, Peter would soon find out that the vision wasn’t just about food, it was about people too. Soon he would find himself ministering to, staying with, and eating with Gentiles. How could it be?!?! Just a day ago, he would never have imagined it. Yet, it was all part of God’s plan.
Peter had to adapt quickly. He had to instantly change his ingrained way of thinking. And, then, he had to defend himself against his peers. Yet, Peter broke the mold, and I’m glad he did! Because of Peter’s audacity and willingness to change, God did a mighty work in the people (Gentiles) that Cornelius had gathered together. They were saved, and the Spirit was poured out on them. The evidence that God was reaching out to the Gentiles was indisputable. Through Christ, God could and was making Gentiles clean. Further, in just a few verses, the term “Christian” was first used … and that in a Roman colony.
For Peter, it took a powerful vision and divinely ordered events to change his paradigm, and in turn, to change the world. The mission hasn’t changed, but our world has. Are there changes that need to happen to our ways of thinking so that we can and do reach the lost? What will it take for us? God, please mold us and shape us, so you can use us. Amen.
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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