It did in this account with Simon Peter. Does it still exist today?
Do we struggle at times about how other races and denominations worship God? Do we struggle internally with the thought that God loves Muslims, too? Are we joyous to hear that a convicted killer, rapist, or terrorist claims to have found a Savior named Jesus?
We/I need to take off our robes of judgement that we are not entitled to wear. There is only ONE who is qualified for that role. I confess I still struggle at times with those immersed in sin and evil finding the Lord. I should be praying for them, regularly. Maybe if the Christian Church remembered this "vision of unity" that opened Peter's eyes; our eyes would be open to amazing grace of God's love to ALL people. Maybe that is what God is waiting to happen before He starts healing our land from all its' prejudices.
One of the powerful demonstrations in the book of Acts is the amazing things that happen just after prayer. Cornelius was praying at 3 in the afternoon when he had his vision. Peter went to the roof to pray at noon when he had his vision. Before Pentecost they had all constantly devoted themselves to prayer. In chpater 4, the Holy Spirit comes upon them after prayer. Peter resurrected Tabitha right after praying and the list goes on and on. Prayer is such a powerful tool. Do I use my prayer life to the fullest? Do I stop what I am doing to hear and see God before I jump in?
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
I will not judge people. No one is beyond God's grace, we are all his children. We need to treat each other as such.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
Peter was waiting here on God for an explanation and direction. He was not rushing out ahead of God, but waiting.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
God said do not hesitate, do not doubt, just go. How many times does God tell us to do something, and we say, " are you sure, maybe I should do this instead." We need to learn from Peter. We need to not hesitate, not question or doubt God and just do it !!
God showed Peter the significance of his vision as not about food, but about open fellowship between Jewish Christians and Gentiles. It could have been translated many other ways, but Peter waited for God's timing, and God's explanation.
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
This was peter's lesson. God does not favor anyone as to how he deals with them, whether it is blessings or punishments we are all equal. This can be seen more clearly in the new testiment as well... Rom 2:11; Eph 2:11-22; Col 3:25; Jas 2:1; 1 Pet 1:17.
Thank you lord for reminding me to wait for clear direction from you. Thank you for reminding me that you are in control of our blessings and discipline, and I should just accept all men and continue to do what is right in your eyes.
Verse 33, "Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
This verse is part of many verses in this chapter that shows how Cornelius filled his home with his friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members so they could hear Peter share the story of Jesus. He knew Peter was coming and that God was going to do something so he made sure that as many people as he could get into his home would be there. When Peter showed up and started sharing the truth about Jesus, the Holy Spirit also showed up - big time in the hearts and lives of those present. They became believers and followers of Jesus.
All of this happened because one man - Cornelius took a risk and invested and invited people in his circle of influence to hear God's message. That's how lives are changed for eternity!
We all need to have the heart and courage of Cornelius.
Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Does prejudice exist among Christians?
ReplyDeleteIt did in this account with Simon Peter. Does it still exist today?
Do we struggle at times about how other races and denominations worship God? Do we struggle internally with the thought that God loves Muslims, too? Are we joyous to hear that a convicted killer, rapist, or terrorist claims to have found a Savior named Jesus?
We/I need to take off our robes of judgement that we are not entitled to wear. There is only ONE who is qualified for that role. I confess I still struggle at times with those immersed in sin and evil finding the Lord. I should be praying for them, regularly. Maybe if the Christian Church remembered this "vision of unity" that opened Peter's eyes; our eyes would be open to amazing grace of God's love to ALL people. Maybe that is what God is waiting to happen before He starts healing our land from all its' prejudices.
One of the powerful demonstrations in the book of Acts is the amazing things that happen just after prayer. Cornelius was praying at 3 in the afternoon when he had his vision. Peter went to the roof to pray at noon when he had his vision. Before Pentecost they had all constantly devoted themselves to prayer. In chpater 4, the Holy Spirit comes upon them after prayer. Peter resurrected Tabitha right after praying and the list goes on and on. Prayer is such a powerful tool. Do I use my prayer life to the fullest? Do I stop what I am doing to hear and see God before I jump in?
ReplyDelete34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
ReplyDeleteI will not judge people. No one is beyond God's grace, we are all his children. We need to treat each other as such.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
ReplyDeletePeter was waiting here on God for an explanation and direction. He was not rushing out ahead of God, but waiting.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
God said do not hesitate, do not doubt, just go. How many times does God tell us to do something, and we say, " are you sure, maybe I should do this instead." We need to learn from Peter. We need to not hesitate, not question or doubt God and just do it !!
God showed Peter the significance of his vision as not about food, but about open fellowship between Jewish Christians and Gentiles. It could have been translated many other ways, but Peter waited for God's timing, and God's explanation.
34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
This was peter's lesson. God does not favor anyone as to how he deals with them, whether it is blessings or punishments we are all equal. This can be seen more clearly in the new testiment as well... Rom 2:11; Eph 2:11-22; Col 3:25; Jas 2:1; 1 Pet 1:17.
Thank you lord for reminding me to wait for clear direction from you. Thank you for reminding me that you are in control of our blessings and discipline, and I should just accept all men and continue to do what is right in your eyes.
Verse 33, "Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
ReplyDeleteThis verse is part of many verses in this chapter that shows how Cornelius filled his home with his friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members so they could hear Peter share the story of Jesus. He knew Peter was coming and that God was going to do something so he made sure that as many people as he could get into his home would be there. When Peter showed up and started sharing the truth about Jesus, the Holy Spirit also showed up - big time in the hearts and lives of those present. They became believers and followers of Jesus.
All of this happened because one man - Cornelius took a risk and invested and invited people in his circle of influence to hear God's message. That's how lives are changed for eternity!
We all need to have the heart and courage of Cornelius.