Read Acts 10
Cornelius was a devout man who prayed to God
regularly and gave generously (v. 1-2). One day an angel of God came to him in
a vision, directing him to send for Peter (v. 3-8). While Cornelius’ servants
went to get Peter, Peter had his own vision from God. In this vision God
commanded Peter to “not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15). God
then directed Peter to go with the visitors who were waiting at his door –
Cornelius’ men (v. 19). God had spoken to Cornelius, a Gentile, and Peter, a
Jew, for a specific purpose. He wanted to signify that the rule forbidding Jews
to interact with Gentiles was no longer in effect (v. 28). Followers of Jesus
are equal, regardless of ethnicity. Peter
declared this when he said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not
show favouritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is
right” (v. 34-35). That day the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his
household and all who heard the message were baptized (v. 44-47).
Journaling
and Prayer
1. God desires that all of His followers would be
united. This theme is repeated often in the book of Acts. Are there any groups
of people that you hesitate to interact with? Some examples might be people of
a different age, race, or socioeconomic background. Sometimes we hesitate to
build relationships with people we deem more or less “mature” than ourselves.
Confess to God where you’ve done this. Ask Him to show you His heart for people
you’ve avoided.
2. We are not supposed to call anything impure with
God has made clean (v. 15). Are there any religious restrictions you live under
that aren’t found in the Bible? Sometimes rules form boundaries that are good
and healthy, protecting our hearts. Sometimes they breed a religious spirit in
us that separates us from God. There are a few tests you can do to help
determine whether your personal standards of conduct are good: What is the
fruit this rule has produced in your life? Has it led to peace, life and a
delight in pleasing God or has it led to guilt, death and a tiresome burden?
Did this rule come from yourself or from God? Ask God what He wants to show you
about your personal boundaries. Is there anything He wants to add or remove?
3. Often we call ourselves impure when God has
already made us clean. Ask God to speak to you about how He sees you.
4. God directed Cornelius and Peter’s prayers. He
wants to do the same for us! Ask God how He wants you to intercede today and
spend some time praying for whatever He shows you.
