Feb
03 |
“Even Them”
Cindie Jenkins |
|
Listen |
|
|
Acts 10:34-35—Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right…” |
|
Inquire |
|
|
At the time Peter said the above words it had long been unlawful for Jews and Gentiles to associate, as God had set apart His people, the Jews. The coming of Christ changed all of that. The One and Only God was to be worshiped by all people. “His people” were now all people. God pointed out that to Peter in a vision. Then he made it inarguably clear by pouring out the Holy Spirit on Gentiles in Peter’s presence. |
|
Faith |
|
|
When Peter heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God he said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (v. 47-48.) Hard to argue with the Holy Spirit; you can’t win, anyway. Before Peter received the vision from God, he thought all non-Jews were impure or unclean. Today, some of us have a similar issue, only thinking any non-Yous are impure or unclean. In other words, anyone who is not like you is not as good or as worthy. It is widespread. It crosses lines of race, ethnicity, citizenship, socio-economic status, denominations, educational level, educational institutions, backgrounds, prior mistakes, and the list could continue. It could include issues many people have difficulty overcoming to things that are so trivial it makes one think, “now that’s just stupid,” yet exist as barriers to the love God intended nevertheless. Do I see anything on the list that I need to ask the Holy Spirit to help me overcome? God doesn’t play favorites; do I? |
|
Experience |
|
|
Father, thank you for your amazing love I don’t deserve. Help me to be a vessel to pour it out on others. Amen |
|