Devotionals for July 11, 2023

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Acts 10:10-15

10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.

12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.

13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

This passage demonstrates the authority of God. Through the gospel, God has declared good news to the whole world, not just the Jewish people. God has “made clean” what once was not. This is demonstrative of the authority of God to establish a rule. What was once necessary for a time (ritual cleanliness) is no longer necessary because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. The calling card of the Christian is to be wrapped up in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has broken the restraints of the law upon humanity. Peter was not acting out of prejudice here, but holiness. He was telling God, “Though I am hungry, I will not sin.” God, in turn, tells him not to consider sin what God has made clean. Peter was experiencing in his own perspective the shift which the gospel made possible, and like a good witness, he went on to share it with his brothers.

Q: What significance is there that ritual food laws are included in this passage?

Q: Are there areas of your life where you still put yourself under the burden of the law?

Q: What does freedom of the law translate to in discipleship, witnessing, etc.?

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Lord, give us eyes and hearts of love for others. Help us to embody your love in our churches and communities. Amen.