Embracing God's Surprises: A Journey of Grace

May 18, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Welcomes All People

God’s love and grace extend beyond boundaries, welcoming all who seek Him. No one is to be called unworthy or excluded, for what God has made clean, we must not call profane. In the family of God, every person is embraced, regardless of background, history, or circumstance. The peace of Christ is offered freely, and we are called to reflect that same wide embrace in our own lives, opening our hearts to be surprised by the depth of God’s mercy. [11:34]

Acts 11:1-18 (ESV)
Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” But Peter began and explained it to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Reflection: Who in your life have you unconsciously excluded or judged as “unworthy” of God’s love? How can you extend Christ’s welcome to them today?

Day 2: God Interrupts Our Expectations

God often surprises us by interrupting our plans and expectations, leading us into new and unexpected directions. Like Peter, who thought he understood his calling, we may find that God’s story for us is one of continual interruption and transformation. When we are open to God’s leading, we discover that our lives are part of a much larger narrative, and that God’s purposes often go far beyond what we can see or imagine. [41:44]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Reflection: When was the last time God interrupted your plans? How might you become more open to God’s surprising direction in your life this week?

Day 3: The Holy Spirit Calls Us to Courage and Clarity

The Holy Spirit is always at work, calling us to respond—sometimes with clarity, sometimes with courage. There are moments when we are confused about what God wants, and other times when we know but lack the courage to act. In both cases, we are invited to pray: for discernment when we are uncertain, and for boldness when we are afraid. God’s Spirit will not leave us alone, but will continue to nudge us forward into God’s unfolding work. [52:09]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: Is there an area where you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you, but you feel confused or afraid? What specific prayer for clarity or courage can you offer to God today?

Day 4: Love Is the New Law

In Christ, we are no longer bound by old rules that divide or exclude; instead, we are called to the law of love—loving God, loving our neighbor, and loving ourselves. It is easy to fall into the trap of using rules to judge or exclude others, but Jesus calls us to discernment rooted in compassion and grace. Our faith is not about rigid adherence to regulations, but about embodying the love that Christ has shown to us. [48:15]

Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection: In what ways can you choose love over judgment in your interactions today, especially with those who are different from you?

Day 5: Don’t Hinder God’s Work—Be Part of the Symphony

We are invited to participate in the unfolding symphony of God’s work, not to hinder it with our own stubbornness or narrow vision. When we become too settled or resistant to change, we risk standing in the way of what God is doing in and through us. Instead, let us seek to be open, clear, and courageous, promoting God’s themes of grace, inclusion, and transformation in our lives and communities. [50:11]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: Where might you be resisting God’s new work in your life or church? What is one step you can take today to join in rather than hinder what God is doing?

Sermon Summary

With open hearts, we gather to be surprised by God’s grace, reminded that what God has made clean, we must not call unworthy. In this community, all are welcome, and we are called to extend the peace of Christ to one another. Through prayer, song, and the joyful presence of our children, we celebrate the unexpected ways God reveals Himself—sometimes through surprises, sometimes through the keys He provides when we feel locked out or uncertain. Even in the smallest moments, like a child’s puzzle box, we see that Jesus is always with us, offering help and guidance when we least expect it.

We honor those who nurture faith in our midst—our Sunday School teachers and children—recognizing that faith formation often happens quietly, yet is vital to our life together. We lift up our joys and concerns, holding one another in prayer through times of healing, transition, and celebration. In all things, we are reminded to let our light shine, to support one another, and to trust that God is present in both our beginnings and our sorrows.

Turning to the story of Peter in Acts, we see a life marked by divine interruption. Peter, once certain of his path, is continually surprised by God’s call to widen his vision. The early church wrestled with questions of belonging and law—who is included, and what must be done to belong? Through Peter’s vision and Paul’s ministry, God reveals that the gospel is for all, not just for those who fit a particular mold or follow a specific set of rules. The old boundaries are broken down; the Spirit is poured out on all people.

This challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to God’s interruptions? Do we cling to comfort and certainty, or are we willing to be shaken awake by the Spirit’s call? Sometimes we are confused about what God wants; sometimes we know but lack the courage to act. In all things, we are invited to pray for clarity and courage, trusting that God’s story is bigger than our own, and that the Spirit is always at work, calling us to love, inclusion, and transformation.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s grace often comes as a surprise, breaking through our expectations and boundaries. When we feel locked out or uncertain, God provides unexpected keys—moments of insight, help from others, or new opportunities—to open us to His presence and guidance. We are called to remain open and receptive, trusting that Jesus is always with us, even in the surprises of life. [16:38]
2. The story of Peter reminds us that faith is a journey of continual interruption and transformation. Just when we think we have things figured out, God calls us to a broader vision, challenging our assumptions and inviting us to participate in something larger than ourselves. True discipleship means being willing to be unsettled and to follow where the Spirit leads, even when it disrupts our plans. [39:51]
3. The early church’s struggle over who belongs and what rules must be followed is a caution against exclusion and legalism. God’s revelation to Peter and Paul makes clear that the gospel is for all people, not just those who fit our categories or traditions. We must resist the temptation to use scripture as a weapon against others, remembering that the law of Christ is love—for God, neighbor, and self. [45:32]
4. The work of the Holy Spirit is ongoing and dynamic, not confined to a static set of rules. We often desire certainty and simplicity, but God’s Spirit continues to move, interrupt, and guide us in new directions. Our task is to discern the Spirit’s leading, recognizing that God’s story is still unfolding and that we are called to participate in it with humility and openness. [51:03]
5. Responding to the Spirit requires both clarity and courage. Sometimes we are unsure of what God is asking; at other times, we know but are afraid to act. In both cases, prayer is essential—prayer for discernment when we are confused, and prayer for boldness when we are hesitant. God is faithful to provide what we need to follow, and as we respond, we become part of the ongoing work of transformation in the world. [52:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:34] - Opening Prayer and Greeting
[12:10] - Opening Hymn
[15:00] - Children’s Time: The Surprise Box
[16:38] - Lessons from the Box: Jesus in Surprises
[17:46] - Prayer with the Children
[22:20] - Sunday School Recognition
[23:55] - Blessing for Teachers and Children
[24:51] - Community Prayers and Joys
[27:34] - Celebrating Milestones and Transitions
[30:15] - Prayers for New Beginnings
[31:03] - The Lord’s Prayer
[36:55] - Scripture Reading: Acts 11
[39:51] - Peter’s Journey of Interruption
[45:32] - The Gospel for All: Breaking Down Barriers
[50:11] - Lessons from Peter’s Vision
[51:03] - Wrestling with the Holy Spirit
[52:09] - Clarity and Courage in Responding
[53:18] - Final Prayer and Sending Forth
[60:09] - Closing Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Surprised by Grace, Called to Inclusion

Bible Reading

Acts 11:1-18 (NRSV)
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners, and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

Observation Questions

What was the main controversy that Peter faced when he returned to Jerusalem after visiting Cornelius and the Gentiles? (Acts 11:2-3)
In Peter’s vision, what did the voice from heaven say to him about what is clean and unclean? (Acts 11:9)
According to the sermon, what are some ways God surprises us or provides “keys” when we feel locked out or uncertain? [16:38]
How did the early church respond after hearing Peter’s explanation about the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit? (Acts 11:18)

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter and the early church struggled with the idea of including Gentiles? What fears or traditions might have made this difficult? [43:14]
The sermon describes Peter’s life as “a journey of continual interruption and transformation.” What does this suggest about the nature of following Jesus? [39:51]
The pastor warns against using scripture as a weapon to exclude others. What are some dangers of legalism or using the Bible to judge people? [48:15]
The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s work is “ongoing and dynamic, not confined to a static set of rules.” How does this challenge our desire for certainty and comfort in faith? [51:03]

Application Questions

The sermon asks if we are open to God’s interruptions or if we cling to comfort and certainty. Can you think of a time when God surprised you or changed your plans? How did you respond? [39:51]
Peter had to let go of old boundaries to welcome others. Are there people or groups you find hard to include or accept? What would it look like to extend Christ’s welcome to them? [45:32]
The pastor shared about “keys” God provides in unexpected ways. When have you received help, insight, or an opportunity that felt like a gift from God? How did it change your situation? [16:38]
The early church had to wrestle with who belongs and what rules matter. Are there “rules” or traditions in your life or church that might keep people out? How can you help make your community more welcoming? [45:32]
The sermon encourages us to pray for clarity when we are confused and for courage when we are afraid to act. Which do you need more right now—clarity or courage? What is one step you can take this week to seek it? [52:09]
The pastor honored those who nurture faith quietly, like Sunday School teachers and children. Who has helped nurture your faith in quiet ways? How can you thank or encourage them this week? [22:20]
The message reminds us to let our light shine and support one another, especially in times of transition or sorrow. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement or support right now? What is one thing you can do for them this week? [30:15]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts, courage to follow the Spirit’s leading, and the grace to welcome all as Christ has welcomed us.

Sermon Clips

“I'm beginning to develop quite a soft spot for Peter. The poor man has been through such a journey with us. From the beginning when we saw him, just as Simon being a fisher of men, having seen a miracle, with us. From the beginning when we saw him, just as we saw him, the people, we know him along the same way. witnessed a death in a house near Bethany, and then having been called again by Jesus, and having seen the nets be made full, you know, Peter's life is a series of moments where it seems he knows what ought to be, how his life should unfold, and God's story with him is that of interruption.”

“He catches fish in a regular way. God changes how he changes fish, and he can't even handle all that he carries. He thinks he's to be a fisher of fish. He's turned into a fisher of man. Remember, Peter goes through this journey of being high, the rock upon which Jesus will build his church, and he thinks that's all there will be, and then he falls and sins three times.”

“He then goes back to fishing, thinking he blew it, and his shot at being an apostle's over, and Jesus interrupts him again, shakes him by the collar, gives him an opportunity to untie the knots in his heart, and Peter is again remade, the rock and pillar upon which Jesus will build his church.”

“Jesus ascends, and at this point you're thinking, okay, surely it's over. Peter is fully restored. No more interruptions for Peter. It's all good now. He finally gets it, and what happens? Immediately upon Jesus' ascension, there emerges a fight within the church. Does that surprise anybody, that there could be a fight in the church ever?”

“It emerges out of a fundamental tension which isn't fully explored in the New Testament. It's a little bit fuzzy when Jesus ascends, and the question is this. Do Christians have to follow the law? Which is a parallel to this other question related, which is, do Christians need to become Jewish? Is Jesus simply for Jewish people?”

“So, Peter and the disciples can be forgiven for initially thinking that they were part of a small movement. They were part of a small Reform Jewish movement, that their ministry was to Jerusalem. Their work was for those who would eat, not eat pork, who would follow the 613 laws of Moses. And those laws were fairly prohibitive. They formed a closed -off society.”

“You see in Acts today that the laws create a tension between even being able to eat with the Gentiles, the non -Jews, those of the nations. There was a tension. There was a fight. You know, Peter and the disciples in Jerusalem believed they had it all figured out. And then there emerges this other disciple, this other apostle, who none of them have ever even met before, who happens to have gone blind on a road to Damascus, who used to persecute them. Do you know who I speak of? Saul, who becomes Paul.”

“See, they think, hey, we got it all figured out. We are the ones that knew Jesus. We have this ministry figured out in Jerusalem, and then God interrupts them again. God throws a curveball through Paul, who bears a different message. Paul, having not been in Jerusalem, having not followed Jesus, comes to things from a fresh point of view, not unlike a new member coming to a church and having some new ideas and maybe shaking us a little bit.”

“In what word does he bring to the disciples? He brings to them word that Jesus came for all the world. Paul bears the news, the revelation from God, which Peter receives in Acts this morning, that those following the Jesus way need not follow the law.”

“Why is that so important? It's so important because if it were the case that all who followed Jesus had to follow the law, the Gentiles would be excluded. They would have to radically change their lives. They would have to undergo surgical procedures. They would have to change how they ate. They would have to utterly transform their lives and leave their families. And Paul's message out to the world would have fallen on deaf ears.”

“Paul, knowing the stakes of this issue, knowing that his ministry will not succeed if they are forced to follow these laws, receives word from God. That Jesus has fulfilled it. That word then trickles down to Peter in the Acts of the Apostles. He receives this vision this morning telling him to eat these animals and kill these animals.”

“And what the vision is conveying is that Peter need not as well follow the law, that he can eat the prohibited foods, that he can eat with Gentiles, that he can wear the prohibited clothes. Those are little details, but the bigger point altogether, that his ministry, his legacy is for all the world. You see, Peter thought he was preaching to Jerusalem. Instead, he was preaching to the world for the ages.”

“It so often happens to us that we think this moment, this action, this day is only about today. It's only about me. We are always seemingly unaware of the broader narrative, the broader theme that God is weaving in and amongst and through each of our lives.”

“I'm beginning to develop a tagline for Peter, the interrupted one, the one who God continually shakes, and what makes Peter special is that even though it takes him a second, even though he stutters and falls three times, he proceeds to get up three times. He proceeds to continue to go, and he finds a way not to hinder what God is doing.”

“This ancient fight has long been settled, my friends, although sometimes it seems we've forgotten it. Christians do not have to follow the law. We do not do this. We do not follow it. In fact, I imagine amongst us this day, there are something to the order of 100 or 150 violations. The prescription of which is, the resolution of which should mostly be death, which makes you wonder who gets to throw a stone first, right?”

“We sometimes forget that. God, we sometimes, in our frailty and smallness of perspective, begin to want to pick and choose our favorites and apply them to the vulnerable, to the oppressed, to those marginalized. When we want to, we'll dig up a passage from Leviticus, the book we've never actually read, and start throwing it at someone, calling them evil, not realizing that what we're throwing is a boomerang that's going to come around and hit us too.”

“Oh, my friends, we must take heed that the new law we receive in Jesus the Christ is a love of neighbor and a love of God and a love of self, and after that, we have got to discern the rest. the Holy Spirit. Very often people essentially ask me some version of, give me the rule, give me the law, give me the list. Can't it just be as simple as the Ten Commandments? And I say, Jesus says no.”

“Jesus says, Paul says, Peter says that the work of the Spirit is still unfolding and we cannot place a period where God has placed a comma. Sometimes we yearn like Peter to be settled and undisturbed. We want the world to be how we think it ought to be, but yet God comes, takes us by the collar and shakes us and interrupts us, at which time we may as well be called Peter.”

“For that is what happens to him. Today's visions from Peter teach us a few things. One, they remind us that God is for all of us, for every congregation, and that alone should widen our gaze beyond just these pews. That's one kind of message.”

“Another kind of message is that when we become too settled, when we become too stubborn, we can find ourselves a hindrance rather than an aid to the unfolding of the symphony God is playing and conducting. That should be something we take home with us.”

“And I also think it teaches us something about the Holy Spirit. I said this in Bible study earlier in the week. I think it's important. I think every one of us, unless you're an angel yourself and I don't know it, has some sort of struggle with the Holy Spirit if we're honest.”

“What do I mean by that? I mean that the Holy Spirit is knocking on the door of each of our lives, no matter where you are in life. And all of us are struggling to respond. Me included. Pope Leo included. Literally all of us. Peter included.”

“I think the struggle we have can be basically coming down to two sorts of problems. The first is one of confusion. Someone will say to me, Pastor, I know the Holy Spirit is doing something. I know I'm being interrupted. I know I'm being called, but I don't know what to. And I say, then pray for clarity. Pray for discernment. That's one kind of challenge.”

“Then there's a second kind of challenge which I faced regularly in my life, which is I know what the Holy Spirit wants, but I don't want to do it. Or I don't have the courage to do it. Deep down. I know I'm not called to this. I'm called to that, but I can't do that. At that moment, we must pray for courage and for support. There's no turning back.”

“Once you've seen what the Holy Spirit wants you to do, you will do it, or God will send a fish, or God will come and interrupt you. Now, the lesson I want us to take is that we're all, Peter, being shaken awake. We are all being called by the Holy Spirit to do, whether we are confused or whether we are in need of courage, we are struggling to respond.”

“I pray that we will find the courage and clarity we need. I pray that we will continue to promote rather than hinder the themes God is laying out, that our vision would be worldwide and that we would proclaim the gospel to all, for all, and we won't get stuck on any laws.”

“All these things I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, who lived and died and resurrected for all, who transforms all, who gives all the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us be clear and let us be courageous. Amen.”

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