READ: 2 Chronicles 27, 28; Psalms 13; Acts 10: 24-48
SCRIPTURE: Acts 10: 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?”
OBSERVATION: Peter and Cornelius met in obedience to the vision and voice
of God. Here, we learn three important lessons: Touching the feet of elders,
teachers, and godmen is an age-old tradition in India. Usually, people who
receive such honor would not stop others when they touch their feet. But Peter
immediately stopped Cornelius and said, “I am only a man myself.” As a servant of
God, Peter was aware of who he was. He could have appreciated Cornelius for his
humility. Instead, Peter humbled himself.
Secondly, Peter understood the
meaning of the vision that God has shown him; he should not call anyone impure
or unclean. It was not about eating prohibited food according to the law of
Moses, as many Christians think. But it was about accepting all people without
any partiality. A follower of Christ should not consider others as impure or
unclean. God hates such inhuman practices. The Bible teaches us that “in
humility value others above yourselves” (Phil.2:3).
Thirdly, We see Peter’s question
concerning why Cornelius wanted to meet him. Peter never met Cornelius before.
In obedience to the voice of the Lord, without even asking any question, Peter
came to Cornelius’ house. If we would have been in Peter’s place, how many
questions would we have asked! When the Lord told him to go without hesitation
(v.20), he exactly followed the Lord’s voice. When Cornelius answered him, Peter
understood that God shows no favoritism and accepts all who come to him
(v.34,35). As he preached the good news of Jesus Christ, along with Cornelius,
all who heard his message received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Peter and Cornelius
obeyed the Lord’s vision and voice without any hesitation and question. Do we obey
God’s word without any objection?
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 195
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