Nougat 24

In these times, attending to God’s voice, purpose and plan is critical for us all. It may not be abundantly clear, or we might get a glimpse of what we are called to do; but God can provide details as needed. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Now while Peter was mulling over the vision, the Ruach said to him, “Look here, three men are looking for you. But get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitating, because I Myself have sent them.” … And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well-spoken of by all the Jewish people, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a message from you.”” Acts‬ ‭10:19-20, 22‬ ‭TLV‬‬

We operate in a world where people are as hungry as Cornelius was and God may invite us to be their point of impact. But, it is important that we understand our task and how to do it.

While Peter didn’t get the entire plan, God gave him as much as he needed for each step of the way. And Peter tarried (that is, waited) for God’s clarification. That should also be our stance. And, after he waited, Peter was rewarded for his patience.

First, God spoke directly to Peter – and provided unmistakable parallels to the vision for Peter’s benefit. He couldn’t miss the fact that there were Three men and he had the same vision Thrice. Then God warned Peter to move with alacrity, which suggests that he should not waste time debating whether the men were worth accompanying or not.

This was important, because the three men represented a Roman soldier – most often identified as persecutors of the Jews. Cornelius was different, but Peter would not have known that. Especially in a case where Peter was being sent by God to Cornelius. We already established that Cornelius was the unclean undead, a group that was contrary to Jewish cleanliness laws.

We note that when equipped with God’s mandate, Peter obeyed and was available to be given the next piece of the plan. It may seem incongruous, as God had just been speaking directly to Peter. Why not just give him the entire blueprint? As was stated in a previous message on this scripture portion, we walk by Faith and not sight. And some of these assignments are intended to build up more than one person, not just us. Remember, our God Who spoke through a donkey can just as easily speak through a human, regardless of ‘who’ they are.

May our hearts be open and our feet strong for all God calls us to be and do.

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May all we seek be found in Christ