Scripture:
Acts 10:34-35 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Observation:
This chapter is about conversion. Not Cornelius’ conversion but Peter’s conversion. From the legalistic laws of the Jews to now accepting that Christianity was meant for all believers.
This meeting between Cornelius and Peter could only happen through divine intervention. A Roman officer and a Jewish disciple living a day or more journey from each other and seeing a vision and hearing from God. Both were obedient. It was not coincidental that both men were devoted prayerful men.
Application:
I cannot put God in a box. Today’s Christians still put up barrier’s. Dress, music, location and even race. I must remember that God does not put up barriers to believing. He has no cultural, ethnic, monetary or even religious barriers in front of us. There are no conditions that need to be met. We just must believe.
There are no “us versus them” mentality. The cross is open to anyone who believes. I have heard it said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. That means, when Christ died on the cross, he died to save everyone sins, not just the sins of one particular group of people. My actions towards others need to reflect that everyone needs to hear about God’s word, not just some.
Prayer:
Remove the various physical, mental, emotional barriers that stop me from spreading the gospel at all times. Help me to be obedient to your calling no matter where it takes me.