New Thinking

The next day they were travelling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop about noon. Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something he went into a visionary state. He saw heaven open and an object  that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. In it were all four footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat!"

"No, Lord!" Peter said, "For I have never eaten anything common and ritually unclean!" Again,my second time, a voice said to him, "What God has made clean, you must not call common," This happened three times, and then the object was taken to heaven.

While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon's house, stood at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon, who was also named Peter, was lodging there.

While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him, "Three men are here looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and accompany them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them." Acts 10:9-20

I wonder if Peter had been discussing this very topic with those he resided with, if he had been questioned about the gospel being for Jews only or the Gentiles also. We can imagine that Peter might have been a staunch Jews only person as his response to the vision was very strict. He was still very much a Jew in his thinking.

When Christ apprehends us, we were very strict in another religious discipline, perhaps. I was, I was a practising Catholic. You might say, but aren't both a Christian? Yes, technically, but now I am a Christian indeed, not a religious person who did not have life. I practised the letter of the law and did not have a relationship with the One I worshipped.

Peter has experienced new birth but so much of the old still governs his beliefs and attitudes. God, in his grace, is gently removing the concrete shell from his life. God is good, he applies grace, where perhaps others might like to apply a sledge hammer.

Peter had to seek the truth and then trust the One who gave the vision. We must trust the Lord and walk in His grace, He leads well, His path is better. Amen!