Fuller Theological Seminary - Master of Divinity Program - A 250 word response to Acts 2 Lectio Davina
This week, the very first line of Acts 2 struck me ... again and again. The scripture says "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place." (Acts 2:1)
Isn't it interesting that "ALL BELIEVERS" met together in one place? How in the world are we to receive all that God has for us if we keep dividing ourselves by race, creed, tradition, etc. Now, do not get me wrong. I love the diversity of culture, land, food, and of course tradition but it seems that as we grow, so do the factors that divide us. For example, even Fuller boasts over 100 traditions of students that choose to attend the seminary. While we are all so concerned with maintaining our particular tradition, to the extent of when the cup should be wiped and exactly where in the service the particular worship hymn should be placed, God is interested in one thing: bringing people to himself. AKA "Missio Dei" - The Mission of God.
So I ask you, is your tradition creating an obstacle course for God's people to return to his side or are your doors flung wide open, anticipating, seeking and finding those who are far from God and rescuing their soul for Christ? In fact, why do we even have doors? It has been said that Sunday morning in America is the most segregated hour of the week. It is true. Come people, lets gather ALL IN ONE PLACE then GO OUT ON MISSION FOR HIM!
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation,
from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed
in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."
(Revelation 7:9)