Observation: Let me give you a little background on what has just happened in this chapter. Cornelius, a Gentile, has had a vision where an angel tells him to send for Peter. So he does this. In the meantime, Peter fall into a trance and sees heaven. He also sees a sheet being lowered with all kinds of unclean animals in it. The Lord tells Peter to kill and eat. Peter responds by saying that he has never eaten anything unclean. The Lord tells Peter not to call anything impure that God has made clean. End of trance. Cornelius' people arrive, and the Spirit has told Peter that it is okay to go with them. He does and then we get these verses as he begins to speak to Cornelius. God used the dream to prepare Peter for the fact that God's salvation was not just for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. He doesn't show favoritism. Later in the chapter, the Holy Spirit fills Cornelius and others who heard Peter's message, and they were baptized.
Application: God offers salvation to ANYONE from any background or nation. Who am I to decide that only a certain type of person can receive God's forgiveness and grace? It is natural for us to gravitate toward people who are like us. People who come from the same types of families, economic status, schools, etc. God doesn't want us to be like that when it comes to sharing the Gospel. For God so loved the world, that He gave his Only Begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. How would you feel if someone had skipped over sharing the Gospel with you just because you were different from them? Think about it. We are called to share the Gospel to anyone and everyone. We can also commit to pray for people living in different nations. Pray that their hearts would be softened and open to the Word being shared with them. Pray also for the missionaries who have dedicated their lives to bringing the Word to these people. We have our own mission field here at home. There are plenty of people who don't know the Truth. Will you tell them? Will I tell them? This is a huge challenge for me. It is easier for me to go off to Thailand or a Christian summer camp and share the Gospel, but right here where I am is a huge challenge for me.
Prayer: Lord, Pour out a special blessing on those who have dedicated their lives to your work overseas. Help me to see all people through your eyes of love. Give me the words to say and the strength to say them and the love to say them with. I can't do it without You.
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