5.14 Acts – The Holy Spirit teaches Peter that Jesus’ redemptive work is for the whole world
When Jesus ascended, He left behind His disciples to carry the Gospel message. There was just one big problem. Jesus did not leave behind a manual that explains the redemption plan of God. The disciples were still trying to understand the mystery of the gospel - who is the beneficiary of this gospel, and how it has changed the basis of their relationship with God. They had to learn on the job even as the Holy Spirit, their new Teacher guided them. Doesn’t that sound exciting, like being thrown into a deep pool to learn how to swim?
Why didn’t Jesus leave behind a manual? It would have made things easy. But Jesus wanted the disciples to learn how to be led by the Spirit. They had to move away from the comfort zone of religion into a living relationship. Jesus wanted His disciples to be actively involved in His plans. He wanted to demonstrate what He can accomplish in and through His Church, the body of Christ.
Let us show you an example of how the early disciples journeyed to understand redemption plan. On one occasion, the Holy Spirit led Peter to preach to Cornelius’ household. Peter did not understand that salvation was also for the Gentiles. He was still thinking in the old way because the Old Covenant was only for the Jews. The Holy Spirit had to show him a vision, and speak to him about 4 times before he followed the leading to preach to Cornelius’ household (Acts 10:9-19). Peter was learning how to be led by the Spirit.
When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household and the Holy Spirit fell, the Jews were ASTONISHED that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also (Acts 10:45). They were surprised by the Holy Spirit. Later, when Peter was in Jerusalem, the Jews contended with Peter for breaking Jewish laws by eating with Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3). Peter had to explain to them to help them understand that things had changed in the New Covenant. They were all learning that salvation was for mankind and God no longer made a spiritual distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
Likewise today, He nudges us away from our comfort zone to walk with Him in a relationship. Through the circumstances of life, we are confronted with opportunities to trust Him, to be led by Him, and to be taught by Him. We are to understand more of Jesus' redemptive work so that we can receive its provisions in our daily life.
As we walk with Him, He wants to accomplish His purpose in us and through us. We are involved but He is the driving force in us. The Christian life should be a daily adventure with the Holy Spirit – with occasional pleasant surprises.
Why didn’t Jesus leave behind a manual? It would have made things easy. But Jesus wanted the disciples to learn how to be led by the Spirit. They had to move away from the comfort zone of religion into a living relationship. Jesus wanted His disciples to be actively involved in His plans. He wanted to demonstrate what He can accomplish in and through His Church, the body of Christ.
Let us show you an example of how the early disciples journeyed to understand redemption plan. On one occasion, the Holy Spirit led Peter to preach to Cornelius’ household. Peter did not understand that salvation was also for the Gentiles. He was still thinking in the old way because the Old Covenant was only for the Jews. The Holy Spirit had to show him a vision, and speak to him about 4 times before he followed the leading to preach to Cornelius’ household (Acts 10:9-19). Peter was learning how to be led by the Spirit.
When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household and the Holy Spirit fell, the Jews were ASTONISHED that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also (Acts 10:45). They were surprised by the Holy Spirit. Later, when Peter was in Jerusalem, the Jews contended with Peter for breaking Jewish laws by eating with Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3). Peter had to explain to them to help them understand that things had changed in the New Covenant. They were all learning that salvation was for mankind and God no longer made a spiritual distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
Likewise today, He nudges us away from our comfort zone to walk with Him in a relationship. Through the circumstances of life, we are confronted with opportunities to trust Him, to be led by Him, and to be taught by Him. We are to understand more of Jesus' redemptive work so that we can receive its provisions in our daily life.
As we walk with Him, He wants to accomplish His purpose in us and through us. We are involved but He is the driving force in us. The Christian life should be a daily adventure with the Holy Spirit – with occasional pleasant surprises.
posted by Joshua Lye @ 8:06 PM
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