Devotional Blog - Thursday, February 2nd

Devotional Blog - Thursday, February 2nd

Daily Devotional for Thursday, February 2nd

The Conversion of Cornelius

“And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized,
which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Acts 10:45-47.

 

The gospel came first to the house of Israel, God’s chosen people. This is the first recorded occasion that several Gentiles had come to salvation. This would have been difficult for Jews to accept; therefore, God gave Peter a vision to prepare him for the great Gentile conversion. Peter was witness to this extraordinary event as God invited people outside the nation of Israel into His kingdom. Peter would later testify to his Jewish brethren what he had seen God do in Cornelius’ house.
When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house, sometimes this event is called the Gentile Pentecost, it declared that God has not limited the gospel to a certain group of people. The saving grace of God is available to all who will believe Him in faith. The gospel is not a Jewish gospel nor is it an European gospel nor an American gospel. The gospel is a call to every person born to turn from sin and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.
It is easy for people to remain in a tribe of like-minded friends and only share the gospel with those who think, act or look like themselves. The Gentile Pentecost is a clarion call for every Christian to invite every person they know to come to Jesus Christ for salvation. We must not allow our ignorance or bias to determine how, where and to whom we share the gospel.

 

 

REFLECTION: The gospel of Jesus Christ is not limited by race, country, religious label, economy, criminal history or sinful past. God will save anyone who turns to Christ in faith.

Steven Ridings