Expanded Scope of Vision
Acts 10:
Leaders can often be trapped inside a box of tradition or
what we think is the only way to do something. The cliché “out of the box”
thinking has been said so often it has lost its impact. In Acts 10 God provides
Peter with an expanded vision of the work he has been set to accomplish. The
expanded vision was to include the Gentiles.
Peter’s vision in Verse 10:12 included the animals that were
considered ritually clean and ritually unclean (See Lev 11). This was new
education that led to new conviction. Peter’s old paradigm was to preach the
Gospel throughout the known Jewish nation. As Peter contemplates this vision
(Acts 10:15 and 10:28), he comes to the conclusion that it has come time for
the divisions between Jew and Gentile to be overcome. This expanded vision
prepares the way for the Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of
Jesus Christ is for everyone, not just a select few. Exposure to Cornelius and
the other men led Peter to an increased compassion. All are called for the
Gospel.
In Acts 10:23 Peter invites the men into his house and
provides lodging. Jewish customs of the time would have prohibited this. Some
people were simply considered unacceptable. But this begins to show that all
are welcome. Peter was learning that in Christ this was going to change. With
the gift of the Holy Spirit the body of Christ was expanding. God confirmed
this enlarged vision.
God communicates a new vision when there is a need or desire
for a new obedience. This is exactly what Peter needed to expand his work to
the Gentiles.
What dream or vision has inspired you?
What beliefs do you have that may limit your ability to
reach out to people who are different from you? Do you find yourself isolating
yourself from different people?
How can you engage the Gospel with people who have never
heard it?
Are you ready for the expanded vision?
The Annunciation and the Magnificat describe the expanded vision God set for Mary and others throughout the Bible.
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