Loved this article! I find Jesus exciting precisely because he constantly challenges us to love better, even if that means crossing our self-imposed boundaries to do so. I wonder—what boundaries do you think people have a hard time crossing these days? Political lines are an obvious one, and (unfortunately) race is still a stumbling block. Are there others that you would counsel people to look out for?
Wow! What a great question. First, I really appreciate your encouraging and thoughtful response. You've named two of the most prominent boundaries, and your question brings up another powerful one: the tension between patriotism and the primary call of the gospel.
I think one of the sharpest boundaries for the church today is the one between our national/political identity and our Kingdom identity. Peter's "Surely not" was a reflex from his core identity as a kosher Jew. Our "Surely not" often comes from our core identity as "conservative/liberal" or loyal patriots.
It's where the call to "honor the emperor" meets the call to radical hospitality and love for our neighbor, especially when that neighbor is deemed "illegal" or "other" by the state. The Spirit falling on Cornelius forced Peter to prioritize his Kingdom identity over his cultural one. I believe the Spirit is doing the same with us today, forcing us to ask who the "Cornelius" is that our national identity tempts us to keep at a distance.
It’s a deeply challenging question, and a much needed conversation. Thanks again for asking it.
Loved this article! I find Jesus exciting precisely because he constantly challenges us to love better, even if that means crossing our self-imposed boundaries to do so. I wonder—what boundaries do you think people have a hard time crossing these days? Political lines are an obvious one, and (unfortunately) race is still a stumbling block. Are there others that you would counsel people to look out for?
Wow! What a great question. First, I really appreciate your encouraging and thoughtful response. You've named two of the most prominent boundaries, and your question brings up another powerful one: the tension between patriotism and the primary call of the gospel.
I think one of the sharpest boundaries for the church today is the one between our national/political identity and our Kingdom identity. Peter's "Surely not" was a reflex from his core identity as a kosher Jew. Our "Surely not" often comes from our core identity as "conservative/liberal" or loyal patriots.
It's where the call to "honor the emperor" meets the call to radical hospitality and love for our neighbor, especially when that neighbor is deemed "illegal" or "other" by the state. The Spirit falling on Cornelius forced Peter to prioritize his Kingdom identity over his cultural one. I believe the Spirit is doing the same with us today, forcing us to ask who the "Cornelius" is that our national identity tempts us to keep at a distance.
It’s a deeply challenging question, and a much needed conversation. Thanks again for asking it.