S (Scripture) – Acts 11:1-3, 15-18 “[v. 1-3] Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, saying, ‘You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.’…[v.15-18] Peter:’And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirt fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'” Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, ‘Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.'”
O (Observation) – Lord Jesus, I realize the context of Peter’s statement was to Your Jewish followers regarding why he had just returned from sharing the gospel with non-Jewish (Gentile) people. Peter was sharing more about Your goodness and faithfulness to those that were historically not part of the “chosen people,” and therefore not supposed to be inheritors of the promise. It seems bizarre to us today to think about this type of argument that went on between the members of the early church regarding whether or not Gentiles would be able to receive the Holy Spirit and walk as Your followers. The Jewish believers felt that even if these Gentiles were members of their congregation, they should be forced to adhere to Mosaic Law in order to be considered right with God (Acts 15:5). You died for the sins of all mankind, not just a few. Your throne of grace is able to be approached by all who trust in You.
A (Application) – We may look upon these early followers and wonder how they thought forcing other people to abide by their religious traditions was something Jesus would have wanted. Yet, we subconsciously do it today on a consistent basis. We need to be careful not to judge the spiritual walk of another person based on what we see. Only God can judge the motives of the heart. Who are we to say whether or not someone is worthy of the grace of God? None of us are worthy – that’s why it is grace! Paul tells us in Galatians 3:28-29, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” May we love others well, be agents for change in partnership with the Holy Spirit, but leave any and all judgement up to the Lord.
P (Prayer) – Heavenly Father, You are amazing. You are the beginning and the end. You knew from before time began that all nations would one day have the opportunity to fully trust in You alone. I confess that sometimes I fall into the trap of gauging another person’s relationship with You by what I see. Help me to let go of the need to evaluate anyone at all – my responsibility is to pray, and be available for You to use me in some way when needed. I’m so thankful that You have shown Yourself faithful to me despite my shortcomings. Help me to love others well, pray for them, show them Your heart, and come alongside them to help them as they grow.
Suzi M. Moreland 