February 4, 2012 (Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” Acts 11:18 NLT
Observation: God sent Peter to preach the gospel message to Cornelius and his household. Cornelius was a Gentile and had no right to the gospel message according to the Jewish believers back in Jerusalem. When Peter returned from the house of Cornelius the Jewish believers criticized him for entering in to his house and eating with him. But Peter explained the vision God had given him and told them of the events that had taken place. When they heard what Peter said they picked up stones and began to stone him. Well, not really. They actually realized their error and ceased objecting and began praising God. They realized that God, in His mercy, had given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting also.
Application: The privilege of repenting. Have you ever really thought about it in that manner? Where would we be if God, in His mercy, had not given us this privilege? Our attitude about repentance shows a lot about the way we view it. To come before Christ with the attitude that Christ owes us forgiveness because we ask Him for it, could not be a more arrogant and prideful attempt to restore our relationship with God. True repentance comes with humility and realizing that we are not owed the opportunity, but rather given the privilege of repenting. God’s gift of eternal life is found in the privilege of repentance. Have you exercised the privilege God has given you?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made, bless it and keep it for Your glory. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provides and protects me daily. You are my God, my Rock, my Provider, my Protector, my Peace, my Joy and my Redeemer. You give me great privileges. Thank You for the privilege of repentance. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, in Jesus name, Amen!