THE FAST - Day 12
Thursday, January 18
Embracing God’s Grace for Humanity
Acts 10:11-16 (NKJV)
“He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.”
Devoción
In the book of Acts, we find a profound and transformative moment in the life of the Apostle Peter. As he prayed on the rooftop, heaven opened before him, and a unique vision unfolded—a large sheet descended, carrying all sorts of animals, both clean and unclean, reptiles, and birds. Then, a voice urged Peter to "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
Peter, rooted in his cultural and religious upbringing, recoiled at the idea. He protested, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." This interaction between Peter and the voice repeated three times, each time emphasizing the same message: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
This vision was not just about dietary laws; it was a profound revelation of God's grace for humanity. Peter, a devout Jew, was challenged to expand his understanding of God's acceptance. The sheet represented the diverse tapestry of humanity—people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, and traditions. God taught Peter a lesson in acceptance, breaking down the barriers that divided people.
In our lives, we may find ourselves, like Peter, holding onto preconceived notions, biases, or prejudices. We might have constructed walls that separate us from others based on cultural, social, or personal differences. Yet, God's message to Peter resounds through the ages: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
God's love knows no bounds, and His grace extends to every corner of the earth. As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our hearts. Are there walls that need breaking down? Are there judgments we need to release? God invites us to embrace His grace and to extend His love which we have received, to those around us.
May the story of Peter's vision remind us that God's love is expansive, reaching beyond our limited understanding. Let us be instruments of reconciliation and unity, reflecting the boundless love of our Creator in our interactions with others as we endeavor to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Please send Your Spirit to guide me in understanding Your wisdom and Your ways, even when they don’t align with my preconceived ideas of the way You reach others. I know there are times that I think I have everything figured out, and I know the direction from which it should come. But, Your ways are higher than mine and there are times I don’t understand how You answer my prayers or the way You minister to me and others. As I use discernment, help me to know and receive Your way, even when I don’t understand what You are doing. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Have you ever questioned God because you didn’t receive the answer to a prayer that you thought He should have answered? Have you ever wondered why God delayed in His response? Have you given up on Him answering because you couldn’t grasp what He was doing? Study scriptures on faith and ask God today to grow your faith in Him, so that you believe regardless of His delivery methods or the time frame in which He responds.
Recursos:
- THE FAST - Day 12 Prayer Focus; Pray For Healing. (Psalm 103:2-4)
- As you pray for healing, may this message, “Deep Wounds, Deep Healing”, encourage you to cry out to the Lord in faith.