Waypoints: Peter’s Vision

I recently read a quote by a popular author who had this to say in regards to making assumptions: “We live our lives supposing things are as they appear to be when that is almost never the case.” Oh, how true this is! If I could only begin to describe how often this has happened and still happens to me. How about you? Can you think of some instances in your life where this has been true for you? When have you assumed something about someone or something to be true based on some outward appearance, knowledge, or experience?
 
We can make a lot of assumptions based on some pretty limited knowledge. We can make assumptions of others based on what they look like, what they say, where they work, what they wear, where they live, and the list can go on and on. We can make assumptions about places based on color scheme, logo, reviews, past experiences, and location. I know there have been many times where I have made similar assumptions only to be “shocked and surprised” to find out that I was way off-base in my assumptions. In fact, many times they did not even come close to measuring up at all. My assumptions, bias, and ideas can be quite short-sighted at times. It is only when my eyes are opened to the truth that the walls of those assumptions come crashing down. Maybe you can relate?
 
As we continue in our Waypoints series, we turn this week to Acts 10. Many would see this as being one of the essential and key passages in the entire book: the inclusion of the Gentiles into the Kingdom of God. However, before all of this inclusion can occur, God must first work in the hearts, minds, and lives of His closest followers to attempt to break through their bias, prejudice, and false assumptions. The Lord gives this invitation to Peter by revealing to Him the truth about His will for the salvation of all people. Peter comes to the realization that God shows no partiality or favoritism when it comes to whom He desires to come to a saving knowledge of Him. God reveals to Peter that He accepts anyone from anywhere who fears the Lord and does right and that anyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness for their sins through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. What a transforming reality!
 
I know I am thankful that God does not have bias or show favoritism. In the many places that you and I fall short and fail to live up to His standard for our lives, He steps in. Through faith, you and I are daily renewed to be more and more like His Son. Through faith, you and I are daily accepted as a living child of God. Through faith, you and I can be free from not seeing things as they truly are with God: He loves us, He saved us, and He desires to have fellowship with us. Does it get any better than that?
 
Pastor Ben