A WORD FOR TODAY, August 4, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, August 4, 2025
“Now on the next day as they were on their journey and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. A voice came to him, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat!’ But Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.’ A voice came to him again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.’ This was done three times, and immediately the thing was received up into heaven. Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate, and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there. While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three[c] men seek you. But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.’” Acts 10:9-20, WEB
Today’s story from the book of Acts is from a longer story about the first Pentecost experience for the non-Jewish Christians. It begins with a vision given to a man named Cornelius who was a centurion who feared God, gave generous gifts to the need and always prayed to God. A voice spoke to Cornelius, telling him that his prayers and gifts were seen by God and were a testament to his faith. The vision told him to send for Peter, who would have a special message for him. Cornelius immediately sent his men to Joppa to bring Peter to his home.
Peter would have rejected the request because according to his Jewish faith, he could not enter the home of a Gentile. Peter would not have shared the Gospel with Cornelius because he thought it was for God’s people. God knew Peter, and his deep faith, but sent a vision to him, too. In today’s story, Peter was praying on the rooftop. He became hungry and God sent food for him to eat. Unfortunately for Peter, the food was everything that was against the Jewish Law. “Get up and eat, Peter!” the voice said. Peter said, “No way. I have never let unclean food touch my lips.” The voice said, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.” This happened three times and as Peter pondered this vision, there was a knock on the door. The strangers arrived to take Peter to Cornelius, and Peter willingly went with them because God told him not to be afraid or doubt.
There is comfort in this story for us. We are sometimes sent to places we do not think we belong to share the Gospel with people we do not want to share it with. Peter always lived according to the Law of Moses, avoiding unclean food and the homes of Gentiles, but God said that He had made things right for Peter to do this thing. The Gentiles were cleansed, prepared to hear the Gospel. God made them ready to be saved. “Do not be afraid or doubt.” What is most interesting to me, however, is that God had patience with Peter. He argued with God, but God continued to show Peter that this was his plan and purpose. Ultimately, another (Paul) would be sent to share the Gospel with the nations, but God sent Peter as a Jew to establish that the Good News is for all people, not just the Jews. This opened the door for Paul’s ministry, and for the apostles and disciples to accept that the Gentiles could be saved by God’s grace.
Here's what’s most comforting: Peter argued and God had patience. Did you ever argue with God because you could not believe that He would send you to do something you did not want to do? “No, Lord!” I’ve done it, probably more often than I realize. Yet, God has had patience with me, too. He keeps showing me His plan, keeps calling me to His work, keeps giving me the opportunity to do what He is calling me to do. I hope I’m getting better and hearing, believing, and accepting without fear or doubt, but I know that I will try His patience again and again. Yet, this God who loves the whole world has a plan for you to help Him bring others to His grace. Will you answer, “No Lord!” or will you get up and go where He is sending you and open your mouth with confidence and courage that those whom God has chosen will believe?
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