Daily Devotion, May 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Acts 10:27-33.

This is the story of two people being led by the Holy Spirit to do something they otherwise would not have done. Without the Holy Spirit’s direction, Peter, a devout Jew, would not have gone to the home of a Roman centurion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Peter had considered all Gentiles unclean; but through a vision, God had shown Peter that all people are created by God and that none of God’s creatures should be considered impure.

Cornelius was a righteous man who worshiped God and was respected by the Jews. His Roman governor had sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion, and fellow Roman soldiers had carried out the order. Now the Holy Spirit had guided Cornelius to send for Peter, the leader of the followers of Jesus, to come into his house and tell him and his household about this Jesus.

Peter’s going to Cornelius’ house and witnessing to them about Christ was a pivotal event, as it opened the door for Gentiles to receive God’s message and become Christian. The Holy Spirit is still leading us to do things we otherwise would not do.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometimes in worship we sing, “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for…to be overcome by your presence, Lord.” As we sing these words, let us open our hearts and be led by the Spirit, even to do things we otherwise might not do.