TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 10
17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
Acts 10:17–23
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
The Lord first dealt with Peter’s traditional biases and prejudice since he was a Jew. God used a dream with a vision of a blanket filled with unclean animals. Unclean animals are those animals that cannot be eaten, according to the Torah. In his dream, the voice said, “kill and eat.” Peter’s immediate response was, “Surely not, Lord.” God’s reply, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” After dreaming the same dream three times, Peter woke up and wondered what it meant. The Holy Spirit said three men were waiting for him, and he should go with them.
Arriving at Cornelius’ house, Peter started to preach to Cornelius and his family and friends. In the middle of his preaching, the Holy Spirit came upon the people, and they began to speak in tongues, praising God. Peter realized how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation, the one who fears Him and does what is right. Then Peter, in verses 47 to 48, said, “‘Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.”
What an incredible scene and result if we trust in the Lord! Heed His calling to proclaim the gospel to everyone without showing favoritism.
PRAYER
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You do not show favoritism but accept people from every nation who fear You and do what is right. Help us to break free from our biases and prejudices, just as You worked in Peter’s heart. Empower us to boldly proclaim the gospel to all, knowing that Your Spirit is at work in people’s lives. May we trust You, follow Your leading without holding back, and see the incredible results of Your kingdom expanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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