More than the Law - Day 173 Month 6-22 Week 25-5
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Judges 9:22-57, Psalm 139, Jeremiah 48:34-47, Acts 10:1-23
More Than the Law
Peter was a Jew. The Jewish people were God's chosen people. Even though the disciples knew that Jesus had commanded them to take His message to the whole world, they did not necessarily understand that the Jewish laws were no longer required. A person did not need to convert to Judaism and submit to the Mosaic Law in order to follow Jesus.
The story we read in Acts today is a breakthrough moment for Peter. As you may recall, Peter often acted on impulse. To set the scene, there was a godly Roman centurion who was not a Jew but who loved God. An angel told him to send representatives to find Peter and bring Peter to him.
Meanwhile, Peter had a vision in which God lowered a sheet filled with all kinds of animals and birds that were considered "unclean" according to Jewish law. God told Peter to kill and eat them. Peter refused because he had never eaten unclean food. God lowered the sheet two more times with the same instruction, and Peter refused each time.
Peter was perplexed and struggled to understand the vision. As he reflected on it, the centurion's representatives arrived at the door. Peter, who would normally have acted on impulse, recognized the connection. Instead of sending them away, he welcomed them in and provided lodging for them.
This experience would shape the future of the church. Peter came to understand that Gentiles did not need to convert to Judaism in order to become followers of Jesus.
Even under the new covenant, people often try to live by Old Testament law. We should be careful not to confuse the principles of the Torah with requirements for Christian living. Take giving, for example. The Torah prescribed 10%, but under grace, giving is between you and God. Some can give less, while others can give more. The goal is not a specific percentage but a generous heart.
The gift of God's kingdom is not determined by following laws. The gift of God's kingdom comes through faith in Jesus. I am talking about genuine faith. That is believing in Jesus and giving control of your whole life to Him. It means making Jesus the captain of your life.
I would like to end today's writing with a prayer. I did this a few days ago as well. As I read today's Psalm, I felt the need to clear my heart before God. Sometimes I become distracted and slowly begin drifting away from Him without even realizing it. At other times, I recognize it but need His help to return my focus to Him.
It is good to ask God to reveal the ways we have drifted and to cleanse our hearts. If you feel the same way, why not pray this with me?
(Psalm 139:23–24)
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Amen
Have a great day!
Steve
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