January 27, 2023 -- Acts 10:23b-29 -- The Acts of the Apostles: The joy of obedience
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The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
Acts 10:23b-29 ESV
Yesterday’s reading recounted Peter’s vision of a mix of clean and unclean animals and the thrice repeated invitation of God to eat. It was a sign that the Jewish ceremonial laws were ended. Peter then understood he had the mission to go and see this Gentile (non-Jewish man) Cornelius. When Peter was obedient, his obedience was rewarded with joy in the Lord and opportunity to fulfil the promise of Jesus: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV).
The Gospel continues to reach the most unexpected people all around you. The mercy of God is such that ruined sinners who call out to Him, know His rich salvation and healing. There are many seated in the pews of churches who have grown so accustomed to this message that it seems boring. Let me remind you, the steadfast love of our Father in heaven is never boring. It cannot be boring. It has raised you up from the dung-heap of sin and death. The covenant love of God has brought you to life and given you the great title: son, or daughter, of the Most High God. Then there is the great treasure of knowing that those in the grip of His grace cannot be kept silent. They must proclaim Him.
What is your faith-life like? Is it on life-support? Is it weak and wavering? Is it non-existent? Then today, call out to Jesus. Confess you sins and all the reasons you think He would never accept you. Then in the power of His Spirit, deny your sins the use of your mind or body. Every time temptations to sins haunt you, bite you, incite you, tell those temptation to take it up with Jesus, He is now the Ruler of your life. Then as Jesus commanded take up your cross (by which you are joined to Jesus, He was punished in your place and you are given His righteousness). Now follow Jesus. Read the Bible. Share your faith with others. Tell them what God has done for you—and see how the joy of the Lord revives you and affects others so that they too will walk in the joy of being brought from death in sin to life in Christ. Their newfound joy will reflect back to you so that your joy in God’s goodness will increase and reverberate through the family of Jesus.
Father in heaven may Your Name be blessed, honoured and adored. Thank You for Your extravagant love which sent Jesus to raise ruined sinners from death to life. Thank You for the powerful Spirit Who takes dry bones and brings those formerly dead sinners to life and active obedience with fullness of joy into Jesus’ service. Triune God, forgive us for our praise-less praise and our lackluster obedience. In view of the glorious salvation and rich treasures You pour out, direct us to obedience so that we will deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus. In these acts of obedience may the Good News roll out from our lips and our lives touching and blessing many others. Jesus, we ask these things of our Father, in Your Name. Amen.
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