Embracing Inclusive Love: A Mother's Day Reflection

 

Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate and honor mothers, recognizing the beauty and complexity of motherhood in all its forms. We acknowledged that for some, Mother’s Day is a day of joy, while for others, it can be a time of pain or loss. In this spirit of compassion, we prayed for all mothers and those who carry the heart of a mother, whatever their circumstances.

Turning to Scripture, we explored the significance of names and places in the story of Peter’s ministry. Names like Aeneas (“praiseworthy”), Tabitha (“gazelle,” signifying grace), and Simon (“to hear”) each carry deep meaning, reminding us that God’s work is personal and purposeful. The locations—Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa—also speak to God’s love and the fertile ground where new life and transformation can take place. Joppa, a liminal space where cultures intersect, becomes a symbol of God’s inclusive love, uniting people from every background.

In Revelation, we see a vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne of God. This is a powerful image of unity in diversity, made possible by the blood of the Lamb. No one is excluded; all are invited to be part of God’s family. The resurrection power that brought Tabitha back to life in Joppa is the same power that unites and transforms us today.

We reflected on the role of Peter, who stayed with Simon the tanner—a man considered unclean by religious standards. This act echoes Jesus’ own ministry, reaching out to the marginalized and breaking down barriers. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls each of us by name. He knows us, leads us, and offers us eternal life. His invitation is not exclusive; he has “other sheep” not of this pen, and his redemptive love is for all.

The call is clear: to listen for the Shepherd’s voice, to accept the gift of grace, and to join the great multitude in worship. Whether you are new to faith, returning after a time away, or have walked with Jesus for years, the invitation remains open. There is always room at the table, and the Shepherd is ready to lead us to springs of living water, restoring our souls and uniting us in praise.

Key Takeaways

- God’s love is radically inclusive, reaching across every boundary of nation, language, and background. The vision in Revelation of a countless multitude before the throne reminds us that no one is left out of God’s redemptive plan. We are called to reflect this inclusivity in our own lives, welcoming and valuing every person as part of God’s family. [28:44]

- The meaning behind names and places in Scripture is not accidental; it reveals God’s intentionality in our stories. Names like Aeneas (“praiseworthy”), Tabitha (“grace”), and Simon (“to hear”) invite us to consider how God is shaping our identity and calling us to live up to the purpose he has placed within us. Even the places—fertile plains, liminal spaces—remind us that God brings new life where we least expect it. [12:46]

- The resurrection power that raised Tabitha and healed Aeneas is still at work today, uniting and transforming lives. This power is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is available to all who respond to the Shepherd’s call. Our stories of healing and restoration become testimonies that draw others to faith. [34:19]

- Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows each of us by name and calls us to follow him. His voice is personal and persistent, inviting us into relationship and guiding us through every circumstance. To “hear” in the biblical sense is to listen with the intent to obey, trusting that the Shepherd leads us to life and peace. [36:10]

- The invitation to grace is always open, but it requires a response. We must choose to “wash our robes” in the blood of the Lamb, accepting forgiveness and surrendering our lives to Christ. This act of faith is not a one-time event but a daily posture of receiving and living out God’s mercy, joining the great multitude in worship and witness. [38:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Honoring Mothers and Prayer
[03:45] - The Meaning of Names: Aeneas, Tabitha, Simon
[07:30] - The Significance of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa
[10:55] - Liminal Spaces and God’s Inclusive Love
[13:20] - Revelation’s Vision: Every Nation, Tribe, and Language
[16:05] - The Unifying Power of the Blood of the Lamb
[18:40] - Resurrection Power in Joppa
[21:15] - Grace Alive: The Story of Tabitha
[24:00] - Peter and Simon the Tanner: Breaking Barriers
[26:30] - Jesus the Good Shepherd: Calling by Name
[29:50] - The Invitation to All: Other Sheep and the Great Multitude
[32:40] - Accepting Grace: Washing Our Robes
[35:10] - Communion Invitation and Prayer
[38:00] - Worship and Turning Our Eyes to Jesus

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 9:32-43 (Peter heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha/Dorcas in Lydda and Joppa)
- Revelation 7:9-17 (The great multitude from every nation before the throne)
- John 10:22-16, 27-30 (Jesus the Good Shepherd, calling his sheep by name)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 9, what are the meanings of the names Aeneas, Tabitha, and Simon, and how do these names connect to their stories? [12:46]
2. What is significant about the locations Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa in the Acts passage? How are these places described in the sermon? [07:30]
3. According to Revelation 7, who makes up the great multitude standing before the throne, and what have they done to their robes? [28:44]
4. In John 10, what does Jesus say about his sheep and how they respond to his voice? [36:10]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon highlights that Joppa was a “liminal space” where cultures intersected. Why might God choose such a place for Tabitha’s resurrection and Peter’s ministry? [10:55]
2. The vision in Revelation 7 shows a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language. What does this reveal about God’s heart for inclusivity and unity? [28:44]
3. Peter stayed with Simon the tanner, someone considered “unclean.” What does this choice say about the early church’s approach to social and religious boundaries? [24:00]
4. Jesus says his sheep “hear” his voice and follow him. What does it mean to “hear” in the biblical sense, and how is this different from just listening? [36:10]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon began by honoring mothers and acknowledging the complexity of Mother’s Day for many. How can you show compassion to someone for whom this day is difficult? Is there a specific person you could reach out to this week? [01:10]
2. The sermon emphasized that God’s love is radically inclusive, reaching across every boundary. Are there people or groups you find it hard to welcome or include? What is one step you could take to reflect God’s inclusive love in your daily life? [28:44]
3. The names in Acts (Aeneas, Tabitha, Simon) each have meaning and purpose. Have you ever considered the meaning or significance of your own name or story? How might God be shaping your identity and calling today? [12:46]
4. The resurrection power that raised Tabitha is still at work today. Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s healing or restoration? How could sharing your story encourage someone else? [34:19]
5. Peter’s willingness to stay with Simon the tanner broke social and religious barriers. Is there a “barrier” in your life—someone you avoid or a place you hesitate to go—where God might be calling you to show love or build a bridge? [24:00]
6. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls each of us by name. How do you recognize his voice in your life? Are there distractions or “other voices” that make it hard to hear him? What could you do this week to listen more closely? [36:10]
7. The invitation to grace is always open, but it requires a response. What does “washing your robes” look like in your life right now? Is there an area where you need to accept God’s forgiveness or surrender something to him? [38:00]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Great Multitude: Unity in Diversity Through Christ
In the vision of Revelation, we see a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb, all unified in worship. This powerful image reminds us that God’s redemptive love is not limited by boundaries or backgrounds; it is for everyone. No one is excluded from the invitation to be part of God’s family, and the resurrection power of Jesus unites all people, regardless of their differences. As we reflect on this, we are called to celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ and to recognize that God’s grace brings us together as one. [28:44]

Revelation 7:9-14 (ESV)
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, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Reflection: Who in your life represents a different background or experience than your own, and how can you intentionally reach out to them today as a reflection of Christ’s unifying love?


Day 2: The Shepherd’s Voice: Hearing and Following Jesus
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep listen to his voice, know him, and follow him. He calls each of his sheep by name, offering them eternal life and the assurance that no one can snatch them from his hand. This relationship is deeply personal—Jesus knows you, calls you, and leads you. The invitation is to listen attentively for his voice in your life, to trust his guidance, and to follow where he leads, knowing that his care and protection are steadfast. [34:19]

John 10:22-30 (ESV)
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Reflection: What is one way you can quiet your heart today to better hear and respond to the voice of Jesus, your Shepherd?


Day 3: Grace Is Alive: The Resurrection Power at Work
The story of Tabitha’s resurrection in Joppa is a vivid demonstration that grace is alive and active. Tabitha, whose name means “gazelle” and signifies grace, was restored to life through the power of Jesus working through Peter. This miracle became known throughout the region, leading many to believe in the Lord. God’s grace is not just a concept but a living reality that brings new life, hope, and transformation, even in the most unexpected places and situations. [28:44]

Acts 9:36-42 (ESV)
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Reflection: Where do you need to see God’s grace bring new life or hope in your circumstances today, and how can you invite Him into that situation?


Day 4: Radical Inclusion: God’s Love for the Outcast
Peter’s stay with Simon the tanner, a man considered unclean by religious standards, is a powerful reminder that God’s love and the message of Jesus are for all people, including those who are marginalized or deemed unworthy by society. The early church reflected Jesus’ example by embracing those on the fringes, breaking down barriers, and extending fellowship to the outcast. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same, welcoming and loving those whom others might overlook. [34:19]

Acts 9:43 (ESV)
And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Reflection: Who in your community or circle might feel excluded or overlooked, and what is one practical step you can take today to show them Christ’s love and acceptance?


Day 5: Responding to the Invitation: Accepting Grace and New Life
The invitation to “wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb” is open to all who are willing to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. This act of acceptance is not just a one-time event but a daily surrender to God’s grace, forgiveness, and leadership in your life. No matter your past or how long you’ve been away, the table is open, and there is always room for you in God’s family. Today, you are invited to receive the love, forgiveness, and new life that Jesus offers. [34:19]

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to accept God’s forgiveness and grace today? What would it look like to fully receive His invitation and walk in newness of life?

Quotes

So this great multitude compiled of every everybody say every every nation tribe people and language every one no one's discounted no one is not included everyone is there everyone is represented here with great and vast diversity but God but God did the miraculous act of unifying all peoples of all walks of all languages of all tribes of all experiences of all abilities or letter lesser or whatever any of that it's not lesser bad word sorry unified in the blood of the lamb and the resurrection powered flow power flowed through them all. [00:29:20] (49 seconds)


Today I believe God is saying Shema hear oh my children listen to what I'm saying and to the commands that I'm giving you now I trust fully fully that the Holy Spirit is delivering unique messages to each individual here as well as those of you who are listening watching online there is a unique message that the Holy Spirit will speak you've got your own stuff going on those commands about what you what God is prompting you to do or to not do that's between you and him but there's also I believe a message for all of us gathered as body as the body of Christ exemplified here as Calvary temple in Brandon Manitoba Canada are we God's people listening. [00:31:23] (54 seconds)


The works I do in my father's name testify about me but you do not believe because you are not my sheep my sheep listen to my voice I know them they follow me I give them eternal life and they shall never perish no one will snatch them out of my hand my father who has given them to me is greater than all no one can snatch them out of my father's hand I and the father are one. [00:33:47] (31 seconds)


Now earlier in John Jesus said the shepherd calls his sheep by name by name and leads them out and a bit later he says I am the good shepherd I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the father knows me and I know the father and I lay my life down for the sheep I have other sheep this is important I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen I must bring them also. [00:34:24] (27 seconds)


Jesus calls his sheep by name they get up and follow in our story from acts of miraculous healing Peter says Anais get up and roll up your mat and he did and he said Tabitha get up and she did they recognized the shepherd's voice through Peter now when Jesus had said he has other sheep in that are not of this sheep pen we understand that he's informing the chosen nation that this wasn't an exclusive club but that his message of redemptive love would be for all peoples perhaps we can see this as a foreshadowing of the great multitude in revelations. [00:34:51] (57 seconds)


And all who accept the invitation to wash their robes their lives in the blood of the lamb those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior are welcome to come to the table there is room for all maybe this is all new to you or maybe you've been detached and haven't been in church for a long while maybe you've been coming here a while but you haven't accepted this invitation and I want to give you an opportunity to do that. [00:36:49] (36 seconds)


Revelation 7 verse 17 it says for the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd he will lead them to springs of living water if you are in need of a loving shepherd who will lead you to springs of water who will provide for your needs who lead you to places of rest and peace who will restore your very souls we're going to pray together. [00:37:25] (31 seconds)


Leda is a city in the plain of Sharon and there's a debated about there's debates about what the meaning of Leda is but one of the potential suggestions is begotten to be loved so a place where love and care happens and then I thought it was interesting that Sharon is not a town or a city but indeed a plain and in fact a fertile plain and the name is associated with beauty and fertility new life learning this I thought about how the shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures. [00:27:17] (35 seconds)


If you are in need of a loving shepherd who will lead you to springs of water who will provide for your needs who lead you to places of rest and peace who will restore your very souls we're going to pray together we're not going to single anybody out I'm not going to make anybody stand or anything like that and I'm going to pray a line and you can just repeat it and I'll ask all of us to repeat together but if that's you I just want you to make eye contact with me just a nod to know that you're ready to accept the love of Christ. [00:37:38] (43 seconds)


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Transcript
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