Today’s Key Scripture

“Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.’ And a voice spoke to him again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’”

— Acts 10:14-15

My hometown of Jaffa, Israel, had the ancient Greek name of Joppa in Bible times. As a boy I climbed to the Citadel, a lighthouse on the highest spot overlooking the harbor. Near this lighthouse was the house of Simon the Tanner, where the apostle Peter had an experience that changed the world.

On the roof of Simon’s house, Peter had a vision of God lowering four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds in a giant sheet. God told Peter to kill and eat them, but changing centuries of tradition didn’t come easily.

While Peter thought about the vision, the Holy Spirit told him to go downstairs and meet three men who were looking for him. Furthermore, God said he should “arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them” (Acts 10:20).

Peter despised Gentiles. He was so bound by his Jewishness that, before this moment, he would not even talk to them if possible. But because of the vision he had seen, Peter discarded his tradition and went on to have a great ministry to the Gentile world. Only the Holy Spirit can produce such a radical transformation.

What kind of transformation do you need?

 

A Prayer for Today

O Lord, transform my life according to Your will and purpose. Change my traditions as needed to be able to follow You more closely. Have mercy upon me, a sinner saved by grace through faith in You. I confess my faults to you, and I humbly bow before You asking for your tender mercies. Thank You for Your promises of forgiveness and restoration. Grant that I may hereafter live pleasing in Your sight, seeking Your will, and giving all glory to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.