Boy, trying to obey the Lord can sure get us into a lot of trouble.
Here was Simon Peter. Frankly, he just wanted to worship the Lord. Then, suddenly, God told him a thing He had not yet told anyone else. It was utterly opposed to all that Peter had been raised to believe. He was to slay and eat meat the Jews considered common and unclean.
The vision was a metaphor to prepare him for what was about to happen. He would be called to go to a Gentile’s home and preach the gospel to him. Peter obeyed the Lord, but, as we see in the next chapter, he had to answer for it. Peter was confused; the other believers were confused. But this was undoubtedly the Word of God.
I see first that Peter did not accept it at first impression. God gave him the vision three times. Changes to tradition must come with much prayer, hesitation, and confirmation if they are to be made.
I see also that Peter did not go alone. After he had preached to Cornelius, and before he baptized him, he asked his witnesses for their observations and objections on whether they should “forbid water.”
These will serve Peter well when he gives his answer in the next chapter.
None of us are perfect, so spiritual growth will surely involve changing from some of the things we’ve grown up believing and practicing. I merely suggest that those changes
- Should only happen after much prayer, fasting, and confirmation from God’s Word. (Is it really a Scriptural thing to do?)
- Should only happen with the testimony, witness, and agreement of others of like faith and practice.
- Should be able to stand for themselves when called to give an account of the action.
If the impulse is to avoid speaking to people we know will challenge our change, it’s likely because we should not have made the change. But, on the other hand, if it is a scriptural change, we will be able to give an answer and probably persuade others that it is a correct change.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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