The Book of Acts: Discipleship In Action Pt. 44 Peter's Vision & God's Perfect Providence!
In our last lesson, we stopped when Cornelius sent his trusted assistants to go to Joppa and ask for Peter.
A vision of unclean animals show to Peter.
Acts 10:9-12 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10) And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11) And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12) Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
We see the providential and sovereign hand of God working out all the details in bringing Peter to Caesarea to witness to Cornelius.
The trusted servants of Cornelius were drawing close to the city of Joppa where Peter was staying. Meanwhile, the Spirit of God was preparing Peter for his visitors.
Peter went up on the roof of Simon's home and was praying when God sent a vision to him. The vision was a large sheet that lowered all kinds of unclean animals, fowls and creeping things.
Peter instructed to kill and eat unclean animals.
Acts 10:13-16 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14) But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15) And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16) This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
A voice from heaven commanded Peter to rise up to kill and eat the animals. Peter quickly responded that he had never eaten any animals that God said were unclean.
Here is a foreshadowing of Peter using the keys. The same voice from heaven told Peter "Do not call unclean what God has cleansed." This vision was repeated three times and is a picture of the gospel going to Gentiles who were considered unclean.
Peter wondered what the vision meant.
Acts 10:17-18 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18) And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
Naturally, Peter wondered what this vision meant and at the same time the servants of Cornelius arrived at Simon's home, asking for Peter.
The Holy Spirit spoke directly to Peter.
Acts 10:19-20 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20) Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Peter was still considering what he had seen and the Spirit of God spoke to him. He told Peter about the messengers from Cornelius and made it clear that this was a Divine Appointment. The Spirit of God orchestrated this event!
Peter obeyed God and traveled to Caesarea.
Acts 10:21-23 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22) And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23) Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter went down from the roof and greeted the men from Caesarea. They explained the purpose of their urgent errand and Peter invited them in to spend the evening.
Just as Cornelius obeyed the angel from God so Peter complied with the Spirit's instruction and accompanied them back to Caesarea.
The Providence of God on display.
Psalm 139:1-6 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2) Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3) Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4) For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5) Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Thoughts to Ponder...
Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe.
The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things. This doctrine stands in direct opposition to the idea that the universe is governed by chance or fate.
Through divine providence God accomplishes His will. To ensure that His purposes are fulfilled, God governs the affairs of men and works through the natural order of things.
The laws of nature are nothing more
than God’s work in the universe. The laws of nature are set in place by God to govern the workings and order of all created things. They are “laws” because God decreed and empowered them.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
“All things” means “all things.” God is never out of control. Satan can do his worst, yet even the evil that is tearing the world apart is working toward a greater, final purpose.
We can’t see it yet. But we know that God allows things for a reason and that His plan is good.
The doctrine of divine providence can be summarized this way: “God in eternity past, in the counsel of His own will, ordained everything that will happen; yet in no sense is God the author of sin; nor is human responsibility removed.”
Comments
Post a Comment