Counter Cultural
How do you feel about trying new food? How do you respond? When it comes to trying new food:
What do you think of when you hear the word “culture”? It might mean ancestry, or different parts of the world. It may mean a lifestyle of affluence or asceticism (simple, basic). Some religions create a culture of religious practices and choices, like the food examples up above. Throughout history monasteries and convents have prescribed a simple, no-frills lifestyle for those who live there. Sometimes people purposefully choose to live outside of their immediate culture and we refer to that as counter-cultural.
We have an example of “cultural clash” in the book of Acts, chapter 10. Peter was a devote Jew who came to realize that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Peter followed Jesus but initially maintained a strict code for what was permissible or forbidden to eat from a Jewish perspective. One day God decided to expand Peter’s preference! God sent Peter into a trance and gave him a vision. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told Peter, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Peter was aghast because this was a list of forbidden foods for his culture. He refused and told God he had never eaten anything impure or unclean, to which God rebuked him saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:10-16)
- Bring it on!
- If I don’t recognize it, I won’t eat it!
- You first!
- Not everything is meant to be eaten.
- I am content with my current menu, thank you.
What do you think of when you hear the word “culture”? It might mean ancestry, or different parts of the world. It may mean a lifestyle of affluence or asceticism (simple, basic). Some religions create a culture of religious practices and choices, like the food examples up above. Throughout history monasteries and convents have prescribed a simple, no-frills lifestyle for those who live there. Sometimes people purposefully choose to live outside of their immediate culture and we refer to that as counter-cultural.
We have an example of “cultural clash” in the book of Acts, chapter 10. Peter was a devote Jew who came to realize that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Peter followed Jesus but initially maintained a strict code for what was permissible or forbidden to eat from a Jewish perspective. One day God decided to expand Peter’s preference! God sent Peter into a trance and gave him a vision. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told Peter, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Peter was aghast because this was a list of forbidden foods for his culture. He refused and told God he had never eaten anything impure or unclean, to which God rebuked him saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:10-16)
This vision happened three times, and just as Peter was wondering what it meant, visitors came to the door to ask him to go with them to see an important Roman leader, Cornelius, because Cornelius also had a message from God telling him to invite Peter. Long story short: Peter went, Cornelius welcomed him, and they both learned that God has a habit of challenging us to grow in our understanding of Him!
Peter says, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” (28,29) And, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (34)
And Cornelius answered, “God gave [me] a vision to invite Peter to visit, and so [I] did.” He said to Peter, “It was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” (30-33)
Peter responds, “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (36) Peter continues, “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. (39-40)
The people gathered by Cornelius eagerly heard and accepted this Good New about Jesus. Peter arranged for all that wanted to follow Jesus to be baptized.
Jesus had previously taught the disciples (including Peter) that, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32,36)
Peter says, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” (28,29) And, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (34)
And Cornelius answered, “God gave [me] a vision to invite Peter to visit, and so [I] did.” He said to Peter, “It was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” (30-33)
Peter responds, “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (36) Peter continues, “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. (39-40)
The people gathered by Cornelius eagerly heard and accepted this Good New about Jesus. Peter arranged for all that wanted to follow Jesus to be baptized.
Jesus had previously taught the disciples (including Peter) that, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32,36)
4832 Ponderings:
Closing:
“In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28)
- How might we place limitations on God or people seeking to follow Him?
- Based on this account, finish this sentence in several ways: “I am free to …”
- Who might be a “Cornelius” in your life?
Closing:
“In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28)
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