July 31
Bible Reading: Acts 10:17-23
Acts 10:17, “…the men who were sent by Cornelius.”
Acts 10:19-20, “And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”
It was going to take a lot of convincing to move Peter to meet with a group of Gentiles, just as it would later take a lot for Peter to convince a group of skeptical Jews of the legitimacy of his outreach efforts. So, God worked to convince Peter. Peter received a vision of the great sheet descending, and not just once, but three times, to reinforce its message. Then, in God’s perfect timing, Cornelius’ men arrived. Peter was still pondering the vision when the Spirit gave him instructions. He was to not hesitate to receive them, though they were Gentiles, for the men were not merely sent by Cornelius (Acts 10:17); they were sent by the Spirit himself (Acts 10:20).
God was soon to do something momentous; something that would bring radical changes to the vision and breadth of the ministry of the church. As we’ve seen repeatedly in the book of Acts, the Spirit led in the process. From an earthly perspective, the meeting between Peter and Cornelius’ men resulted from mere human interaction. But, as the Spirit clarified, it was through His working that the meeting came about.
That event serves as a good reminder to us of an important and encouraging reality. Every believer is Spirit-indwelt and is to be Spirit-led. It is as the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to the heart of the believer that we grow in our walk in Christ. Likewise, it is as the Spirit speaks and moves our hearts that we are led to fulfill God’s will. He is fully capable to lead—he even led Cornelius’s men—our part is to listen.
My SiriusXM radio occasionally loses reception when I drive through the Columbia River gorge. The high canyon walls block the signal from getting to my receiver. I can’t move those walls, but when it comes to listening to the Spirit, there are things I can do. I’ve got to purpose to be in the Word (hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it), attuning my heart to hear from God. And I’ve got to put away that which hinders my ability to listen (James 1:21). “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).
The Spirit speaks. Our part is to be spiritually attuned to listen to what He is saying.
WHEREVER HE LEADS I’LL GO
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,” I heard my Master say;
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.”
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
It may be thru’ the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
he is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
LookingtoJesus 