Nougat 5

Today’s Holy Nougat reminds us: Whether you fit in, or not, there’s a place for fellowship amidst Christ’s people.

“The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. “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

They had a name for them – Gentiles. It wasn’t wholly derogatory but it wasn’t wholly positive either. Gentiles weren’t among God’s called, despite the Samaritan woman, Naaman and even Ruth who’d been specially used by God. .

People like those weren’t among the anointed or The Who’s Who in religious contexts.

But that was before God’s Spirit visibly manifested upon them. That was before God’s grace was demonstrated towards them that there was no question about their eligibility. No, they weren’t trained, but they were open to God’s Spirit. No, they didn’t walk with Jesus or bear witness to His resurrection, but they believed the testimony of the disciples-apostles. And that’s what qualified them for God’s Spirit to visit in a manner that convicted the Jewish special ops (aka the apostles) to consent to their baptism.

For when we hunger and thirst for God’s presence; no question about it – we shall be filled. For that’s the power of Spirit moving spirit: God’s Spirit moving ours! And we know (or should know by now) that when God’s Spirit is on the move, everything must comply.

Of course, the prejudice is sometimes within us, and not directed towards us. It may be that the question is being posed to us right now about someone else who seems like they shouldn’t be allowed privileges. But following Christ isn’t a country club membership for us to determine who is in. Nope. That’s God’s purview. Remember when Jesus told the disciples that they should leave the people preaching in His name alone? Yup, it is for God to decide, not us. And God will tell us what to do, if we ask.

So, even as we seek God’s face for ourselves, may we be open to helping others find God through our lifestyles and our openness to share God’s grace and love.

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May all we seek be found in Christ