February 10 - Peter crosses the line
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Peter crosses the line
On Day Two of our Journey Through Acts we discussed the unifying nature of the Holy Spirit. In chapter ten, we watch that concept become solidified. Earlier in Acts ten, Peter has a transformational moment with God. As Peter was praying, God gave him a vision. In this vision, various animals and birds were lowered down from heaven on a sheet. Many of these were things which were not customary for Jews to eat. In this vision, God instructed Peter to kill these animals and eat them. Not wanting to violate his own customs, Peter refused. Here was God's response in Acts 10:15:
"And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
As you may have gathered from today's excerpt, God was not actually talking about food. Peter was being taught to love people like God loves people. The association of Jews and Gentiles was not something that was normal. Peter had a prejudice against Gentiles and had been taught his entire life that he was of the lineage of God's chosen people and they were not. But, as Peter shared the Gospel message, the Holy Spirit fell in Cornelius's home just as it had in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. Peter was beginning to understand that God had not sent his son for a select few. Jesus had come for whosoever. He had given his life for both Jew and Gentile. The blood of Jesus was shed for the young, old, men, women, the rich and the poor. Peter saw firsthand that God wasn't concerned with race or lineage, but interested in reconciling all.
We would quickly admit that we know that. We understand that Jesus came for all. You have likely watched God reconcile people who were like you as well as those who are completely different from you. Today though, we should be reminded the phrase that God gave Peter. This was not just a phrase that meant to love everyone regardless of race, though it certainly encompasses that. The message from God to Peter was : What God has made clean, do not call common.
Has God made you clean? You are not common. Has God began a work in your family or friends or workplace? That's not common. You may have believed a lie that you, someone you love or a situation in your life is hopeless, but I would challenge you today to reconsider. Is God at work in your life? Know that there is no higher honor. Is God breaking you out of prejudice, anxiety, worry or addiction? It's all the same - it's an uncommonly Holy work. When the Holy Spirit speaks to you today, whether in encouragement or conviction - that's a Holy moment. What God is making clean is the farthest thing from common.
Reflect on the journey:
Is God at work in you or around you? That work of the Spirit is an incredible honor. Take a few moments to reflect on the times God has challenged you, convicted you, or drawn you to Himself. Thank God for the incredible honor of being cleansed and made pure.
Through your prayer time today:
One of the greatest takeaways from today is that as disciples we must be free from prejudice. Take some time today to ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal to you ways that you might be carrying prejudice against people.
