Anyone but Them!
Opening Prayer
Lord God, may Your Holy Spirit work in me so that, like You, I see and value others.
Read Acts 10:23-33
[23] Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. [24] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” [27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “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. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” [30] Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. [32] Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What "barrier" did Peter cross and how could he do it?Peter is on new ground and in front of witnesses from Joppa (23). He is aware that he is about to publicly break the Jewish law, so, maybe to help himself and them, he says clearly why he is content to go into Cornelius’ house: “God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean” (28). Peter has learned the important truth that nobody is beyond God’s kingdom reach. Our world is quick to label those it says we should avoid: terrorists, drug pushers, corrupt politicians … (you continue the list). All these are made in God’s image, though sin has marred them. God calls Christians to work among them and to reveal him in their actions and words. In stark contrast, Cornelius is overly reverent towards Peter (25). Peter realizes how Cornelius sees him, and quickly removes that barrier (26). Peter knew that we are all flawed humans equally in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. Peter broke down a major barrier to the spread of the Gospel and growth of the church. We must still be in the business of breaking down barriers to the Gospel today.
Apply
Who would you normally avoid or be scared of? What barriers need breaking down for you to take God to them?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, You broke the barrier of sin that kept me from God. May I break barriers between people, too.
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