Acts 10-11:18  The Lord moved Peter.. again.  He was in Joppa, waiting for lunch, when God gave him a vision.  Three times a sheet was lowered from the sky.. containing all kinds of "unclean" animals that were not permitted for the Jews to eat.  Each time Peter was told to kill and eat.. and each time he resisted.  The Lord had a lesson for Peter, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."  Peter was learning that the Law did not have authority over the Lord.. God Himself was and is the Supreme authority!

Meanwhile, in Caesarea, we are introduced to Cornelius, the centurion,  a Gentile follower of God. Cornelius was known among the Jews for his "prayers and alms". We learn here that God noticed him too!  Cornelius also has a vision. An angel of the Lord came to him and told him to send for Peter.. in Joppa.. at the home of Simon.  Immediately, Cornelius obeyed, sending two servants and a devout soldier. These men were trusted with this important mission.. and traveled the distance  of around 38-40 miles (about 12-13 hours of walking) in just a day.  When they arrived at Simon's house and talked to Peter, he was still thinking about his vision.  The Spirit of God told Peter, "Behold, three men are looking for you. But, arise, go downstairs, and accompany them without misgiving; for I have sent them Myself." 

Peter and the men, plus some of the disciples from Joppa, went to Cornelius. Peter preached about Jesus, the Holy Spirit came upon them just like he had the Jews in Jerusalem, and all those present were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  

Peter's understanding was completely changed by this.. " I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him." 

When Peter went back to Jerusalem the news had already reached them about the Gentiles and they were ready to blast Peter.. but when Peter told the whole story they "quieted down and glorified God saying ' Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.' " 

Do we realize how amazing and wonderful that event was?  Just think about how many non-Jews are now believers in Jesus Christ.  We have been granted "repentance that leads to life".. We have been welcomed into the Kingdom of God's Son!  So thankful for the grace of our God who does not show partiality. There is no nation that is exempt from God's grace if they will fear Him and come to believe in Jesus Christ the Lord.  Hallelujah! 

Father, thank You for showing us Your love for all of mankind. May every tongue and tribe and nation bow before You and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their King forever.  There are many nations today that still need to hear the good news about Jesus, so we pray that You, the Lord of the harvest, would send out workers into the fields.  Bless and strengthen Your servants around the world. We pray for those who are working in ministries like the CMA, Wycliffe, FEBC, Slavic Gospel, Remember Nu, Voice of the Martyrs, Compassion International, OMF, and Samaritan's Purse.  I'm sure there are many more that I do not know of, Lord God.. but You know them and I pray that Your Spirit will move Your servants to where the message needs to be heard.. to the hearts You have prepared.. that You will grant repentance that leads to life.. all over the world today.  We ask this, Lord God, in the name of the Savior, the Light of the World.. Jesus Christ. Amen.