Today’s Reading: Exodus 35; Exodus 36; Acts 10
Scripture: Acts 10:44-46
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Observation: All the original disciples were Jewish, as was Jesus, of course. And the first church was 100 percent Jewish. Here, Peter is following the instructions given to him by God to preach to some non-Jewish type people. I love the fact that the Lord interrupts to drive the point home. While Peter is giving his message, the Gentiles who were listening receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit and break out in supernatural tongues. What is funny to me is that all the Jewish believers are so surprised that the "Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles!" Their base level prejudice was something that they accepted as OK and did not see any problem with it. But God lets them know, "I came for the Gentiles just as much as I came for you."
Application: It is just good news that God regards all people as worthy of being saved. "God so loved the world..." -- not just one part of it. So God loves you and me and wants everyone to have the chance to know Him. Also, it gives me hope that God used the obviously imperfect original church to change the world. I think He can use us too. Let's change the world.
Prayer: Lord, thanks for reaching out to all people of every color, language, and place on earth. And thanks for showing that even flawed people can be used to do Your good here. Help me to lead many people in doing Your good.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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