Devotion:
Read Acts 10:34-37, 44-48.
If at all possible, I encourage you to read this whole chapter so that you will better understand the message in these assigned verses. The Apostle Peter had been given a dream by God that went against what he had understood was the teaching of the Bible: there were certain things he was not supposed to eat because they were considered unclean. The Holy Spirit had also been working on a Gentile man named Cornelius, a leader in the Roman army. The Spirit brought them together and continued to teach Peter what Jesus had been trying to teach him and the other disciples all along: as Peter puts it in this encounter, “...that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
This is one of the stories in Acts and other New Testament books that makes it clear that the Holy Spirit continued to be a guide and teacher for the apostles and other followers of Jesus when the Lord ascended back to heaven. Jesus had told the disciples that the Spirit would be sent for this very purpose. It is a reminder to all of us that we still have much to learn and that we have been gifted with a guide for all of life. As I wrestle with the issues and challenges that we face in our world, I sometimes find myself thinking that nobody has faced such matters before. Then I read of God’s people in the first century and every century since then and remember that all generations have had to face tough times and perplexing situations. And the Holy Spirit has been there to guide throughout. That same Spirit is still available to guide us today. What a gift!
Personal Worship Option:
Consider offering this prayer: “Holy Spirit, we celebrate your presence among us, especially for your guidance in all of life. Remind us this day to stay in touch with you and seek your teaching and direction as we seek to be your people.”
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