We love to read about the amazing transformation that happened in Acts, Chapter 2. The Holy Spirit came and filled the 120 people gathered in the Upper Room, and the results were nothing short of amazing. Hearing the gospel proclaimed led to the conversion of three thousand people, including many from other nations who heard it in their own language. These new believers gathered into what most people would call the first church, and everything seemed perfect: their worship, their devotion to God, the way they gave to one another sacrificially, and the way they grew. 

But something was missing. Something very important. What is it about this new and exciting church that isn't perfect?

Acts chapter nine revealed what was missing—a blind spot. After Paul's dramatic conversion, God told Ananias, "Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9.15). Then, in chapter ten, we see Peter in Cornelius' house, leading this Roman's entire family to the Lord, and in the next chapter, defending the need to reach the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas set out to reach the Gentiles two chapters later. Amazingly, this has been God's plan all along, as we see in many Old Testament references. But that "perfect" church in Acts 2 had completely missed the point, reaching only the Jews. 

We must be sure not to miss this precious part of the Father's heart—that ALL people matter to Him: every race, every nationality, male and female, rich and poor. God loves them all, and we must continually keep our focus on reaching people far from God.