Yesterday we saw Peter receiving an invitation to ‘eat’ a table of assorted unclean, undead animals. In today’s Holy Nougat, we explore his response and its implications for our lives.
“But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord! For never have I eaten anything unholy or unclean.” Again a voice came to him, a second time: “What God has made clean, you must not consider unholy.”” Acts 10:14-15 TLV
Knowing that he was in an open vision probably gave Peter his first clue that he was hearing from God. But he could have assumed that he was being tempted by the devil – just like Jesus.
EXCEPT
he recognized the voice! Note his choice of words: “Certainly not Lord”; indicative of respect for God. God confirmed his conviction by responding, “What God has blessed …”. Peter was quite in order. He heard the timbre of his Shepherd’s Voice and responded accordingly.
What about us? Can we recognize our Shepherd’s voice; and when we do, how are we responding? And when it’s a situation like Peter’s, do we choose to obey, or ignore, or pray? There are times when God does ask the outrageous or the extraordinary. And it is important that we recognize God in those situations.
So the general self check:
Are we deliberately listening (speak Lord I’m Your servant) for God’s voice in all we do, or is it intentional ignoring? If our response to God determines the path our lives take, choosing to ignore God is to our detriment. I pray we choose wisely
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May all we seek be found in Christ
