Standing In God's Way!

We may all struggle from time to time with preconceived ideas getting in the way of clearly understanding what God is trying to reveal to us through the Scriptures. Sometimes getting used to how things have been for a long time we may miss the FULL PERSPECTIVE of what God desires us to recognize. God's Word is established. It does not change. Praise God we have it to always go to in order to make certain what we are understanding or being taught is correct. Remember the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily for that reason. (i.e. Acts 17:11)

Changing from old thinking was something of which even the Apostle Peter struggled. He had grown up with his mind focused on all things Jewish. This caused him to narrow his focus as the church began to grow. He was not accustomed to associating closely with Gentiles. That is why God provided Peter with a vision ( Acts 10:10-16) prior to the coming of the messengers sent by Cornelius, a centurian of the Italian Cohort. ( Acts 10:1) [As a side note here, perhaps we might wonder why God did not just have the angel tell Cornelius what he needed to hear ( Acts 10:3) rather than having him send for Peter. ( Acts 10:5) It is important to recognize there are tasks God has given for His people to fulfill and therefore we should prepare and be willing to fulfill them.]

When Peter saw what God's Will was -- when he understood "that God shows no partiality" ( Acts 10:34), Peter shared the message of Jesus with Cornelius, his household, and all this centurian had invited to hear what Peter had to say. Then God confirmed things even further by having the Holy Spirit come upon them and Peter clearly understood how the HOPE OF SALVATION IN CHRIST WAS FOR ALL.

Others who shared the narrowed focus Peter had possessed, criticized him for having gone into the home of Gentiles and even having eaten with them. ( Acts 11:2-3) Therefore, Peter recounted the vision he had and what had taken place at the house of Cornelius (which was also confirmed by those who had gone with Peter). Note the declaration Peter then made which revealed the change of his focus and therefore his behavior.

We read. . .
"(17) If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, WHO WAS I THAT I COULD STAND IN GOD'S WAY?' (18) When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, 'Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.'" ( Acts 11:17-18 ESV)

"Stand in God's way!" Preconceived ideas and what we have become accustomed to can do just that! For Peter there was a needed change in thinking so that he would act appropriately toward others. He was not going to "stand in God's way." He was going to set his Jewish mind aside and recognize the WIDE DOOR GOD HAD OPENED for evangelism. Do we recognize it as well or have we become very select in our evangelism? As we sow the seed of the Word of God, we may not always know where it will germinate, grow, and be fruitful until we see the harvest God brings. May we, like Peter, resolve to not "stand in God's way", but rather walk in it so that He can continue to do His great work through us.

Have a great day SEEING AND LIVING ACCORDING TO GOD'S WAY!
Carl

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