A beautiful day to finally open up the grill and help just a bit with supper. Thank You, Father, for the blessings of family and all they mean to me!
Acts 10:7-16 (<<click here to read the passage)
As the old saying goes, “Old habits die hard.” and a majority of us can relate to what it may mean for us personally. If you’re in the habit of eating more than you should, it’s hard to stop. Many struggle with the habit of smoking, and the friends I have that have done so, would verify that it was probably one of the most difficult things they’ve ever done!
The church is not exempt from habits that are hard to break. I’ve mentioned before that I grew up in a very conservative environment. One thing we didn’t do was to play any kind of games that involved playing cards – you know the ones with hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs. As some would have said at the time, “They’re wicked!” We’ve since gotten beyond that notion, realizing that the cards themselves are not wicked, nor are many of the games associated with them. (I have known many people who have had many wonderfully fulfilling moments with friends and family playing a wide assortment of card games!)
The problem that arises in this example, in particular, is when gambling becomes too big a part of the picture and then becomes nigh impossible to overcome. Many lives have been ruined because of these kinds of issues. But I have never known anyone to lose everything playing euchre or penny poker even!
Doctrinal issues can become problematic as well, even things that are biblically sound. Peter had issues, as can be seen in today’s passage.
A sheet full of all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds was let down before him and a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” vs12, 13 NLT
Peter’s retort was quick, and he said, “Not at all, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common (unholy) and [ceremonially] unclean.” v14 AMP
The Old Testament Law laid out several prohibitions regarding what a devout Israelite could not eat. Most of us know that to this day, Jews will not eat pigs, but they also avoid shellfish (shrimp and the like), no insects (most of us wouldn’t have a problem with that one), and interestingly enough, they cannot have milk and meat in the same meal!
Peter was not overly educated in such things but that was one thing every “good” Jew knew to abide by.
But the voice just as quickly replied, “What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, no longer consider common (unholy).” v15 AMP And for good measure, this happened three times in quick succession.
The scope of God’s Kingdom was broadening, and though the Jewish followers of Jesus found it hard to believe, what they would have rejected was now to be embraced. Old habits die hard but when God sends a directive, we must obey! And as one Gentile amongst millions, I am glad Peter did as he was told!
Mar 30th, 2022, Wed, 7:27 pm
