Nougat 31

Recently, I was reflecting with a friend about God’s sense of humor. We noted that although the Bible doesn’t clearly say God laughs, it’s there. Just like Isaac’s name. Sometimes it’s a dry humor that is more ironic than humorous; as one can see with Today’s Holy Nougat

“The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too [ … Then Peter asked ] “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?””‭‭ Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10:45, 47‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It went Full Circle .

When one reflects that Cornelius received a clear vision from God, it registers that Peter and the team really did not need to be present. Yet they were very much present, bore witness to the Gospel and the very same day witnessed the entire household being blessed with the baptism of tongues!

All in the same day!

When considering that the disciples were waiting for about 50 days after Christ’s Resurrection to experience the baptism of tongues; it is truly ironic! Moreover we realize that God’s motives for connecting Cornelius with the disciples was more about conviction than conversion. It is Peter and the others who are the real recipients of God’s transforming mercy, as they had not envisioned the Gospel being manifest among the Gentiles. And their entire experience happened over the course of a few days, including travel time to and from Simon the Tanner!

Disciples : 7 weeks waiting

Gentiles : a few days

Yes, God has a dry sense of humor!

And all that humor was to help the disciples see it was time to share the Gospel with Gentiles. Even to the point of baptism. There were eyewitnesses to the fact of the manifestation of tongues by the Romans. (Incidentally, tongues are normally heard from a baptized person after the fact; not before.) All possible arguments were eliminated as only God can.

So, before we judge let’s pray. And among the least suited people to receive the Gospel may be the next great person in God’s household of faith. Whether we’re saint or sinner, God desires to work with and through us.

God gets the last laugh. Let’s ensure God laughs WITH us, not AT us.

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May all we seek be found in Christ