Read
Acts 10:1-12:5
Acts 11:9, 17-18, “‘The voice spoke from heaven a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” … So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’”
Acts 10:28-29, 34, “…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. … 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.”
Think
Change is inevitable; it’s part of life. If the change is by choice, we might look towards it with great excitement and anticipation. But what about when it’s unexpected? When we’re blindsided by news that shocks us to the core? When we ardently believe something and – BOOM! – we have to change course and do something far outside of our comfort zone?
Peter had been boldly proclaiming the gospel, but only among fellow Jews. So, when God spoke to him in a vision and told him to go to the house of a Gentile and share the good news of Christ, he was shocked! Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but at that time, even coming into close contact with a non-Jew was forbidden; they were considered unclean. But Peter obeyed God, and a Gentile named Cornelius, and his household, accepted Christ.
You would think that others would celebrate the door opening to all, but Peter was met with significant opposition from his peers. For them, this was a bitter pill to swallow, and they called Peter on the carpet to explain his actions. Calmly, he told them about his vision, his revelatory change in thought, and the Gentile conversion experience. They recognized that God was at work, and they praised Him for making the gospel available to everyone!
When we surrender our lives to Christ, change is necessary. Consider your own spiritual transformation. How has Jesus made a difference in your life? Hopefully, this reflection inspires you to invite others — even if they belong to another faith altogether — to experience the repentance, salvation, hope, and joy only found in Christ!
Pray
Lord, I praise You for saving me and for providing a way for everyone “who fears You and seeks to do what’s right” to know You personally. Show me anywhere I need to make changes that I may live out Your best for my life and be most useful in leading others to do the same. Amen.
