OzThoughts – Wednesday, 17th June, 2009

OzThoughts – Wednesday, 17th June, 2009

Yesterday, Peter saw a vision of food that God commanded him to eat. Peter knew the Law described this food as unclean. God commanded him to eat it and told Peter anything he (God) had cleansed was not to be considered unclean.

Now, of course, the background to all this was Peter was a Jew. Jews had strict laws about food. They also kept themselves very separate from people of other nationalities or races.

As Peter wonders what the dream or vision was all about there is a group of men call at the door. Read the story and reflect on what it means for us. How should we relate to other people?

Acts 10:17-33 (The Message)
17-20As Peter, puzzled, sat there trying to figure out what it all meant, the men sent by Cornelius showed up at Simon's front door. They called in, asking if there was a Simon, also called Peter, staying there. Peter, lost in thought, didn't hear them, so the Spirit whispered to him, "Three men are knocking at the door looking for you. Get down there and go with them. Don't ask any questions. I sent them to get you."
21Peter went down and said to the men, "I think I'm the man you're looking for. What's up?"
22-23They said, "Captain Cornelius, a God-fearing man well-known for his fair play—ask any Jew in this part of the country—was commanded by a holy angel to get you and bring you to his house so he could hear what you had to say." Peter invited them in and made them feel at home.
God Plays No Favorites
23-26The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along. A day later they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had his relatives and close friends waiting with him. The minute Peter came through the door, Cornelius was up on his feet greeting him—and then down on his face worshiping him! Peter pulled him up and said, "None of that—I'm a man and only a man, no different from you."
27-29Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked. But now I'd like to know why you sent for me."
30-32Cornelius said, "Four days ago at about this time, midafternoon, I was home praying. Suddenly there was a man right in front of me, flooding the room with light. He said, 'Cornelius, your daily prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God's attention. I want you to send to Joppa to get Simon, the one they call Peter. He's staying with Simon the Tanner down by the sea.'
33"So I did it—I sent for you. And you've been good enough to come. And now we're all here in God's presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us."
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_144.mp3

All have need of God's salvation,
If with him they'd live forever;
But a promise he has given,
It is written: Whosoever.

Chorus
Whosoever will may come,
And who comes to him shall never
Disappointed turn away;
Praise the Lord! 'tis whosoever.

And this word it reaches nations;
Not the rich or learned or clever
Only shall by him be rescued,
O praise God! 'tis whosoever.

For the poor and brokenhearted
There's a hope, and they need never
Have a fear about their coming,
For the book says: Whosoever.

To all kingdoms and all peoples
'Tis the same, and shall be ever;
There's no difference in the message,
But to all 'tis whosoever.
Author: William John McAlonan (1863-1925)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 824

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