DCLM Daily Manna 17 November 2019 Devotional By Pastor W.F Kumuyi – No Prejudice Please!
TOPIC: No Prejuice Please!
TEXT: Acts 10:9-20
9. 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.
13. 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.
17. 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.
19. 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.
DCLM Daily Manna 17 November 2019 – No Prejudice Please!
KEY VERSE:
“…What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” – (Acts 10:15b).
MESSAGE:
Prejudice is an unreasonable dislike or preference for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, social standing, etc. Prejudice blinds people to rational thinking, decisions and actions. However, God loves all men and wants all to be saved.
Cornelius, the Italian Centurion, feared God and gave much alms. God, through an angel, instructed him to call for Simon Peter who at the time was in Joppa, to show him the way of salvation. And he sent his servants. As they approached Joppa, Peter had a trance. God had to deal with the prejudice of Peter in order to make him effective in reaching to all with the gospel.
The reluctance or even refusal of the apostles and disciples of Christ to reach out to the gentile world is really surprising, considering that the Lord made it clear before His ascension into heaven that they were to preach the gospel to “every creature” and “unto the uttermost part of the earth”. It shows the rift that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles and the greatness of the chasm which Christ, by His death, filled up to make both one, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity… to make in himself of twain one new man”. The Church of Christ is one Body and must remain one without schism irrespective of gender, tribe, education or even denomination. Every member is useful to God and to one another and has a duty to uplift, uphold and edify one another.
Thank God, the Gentiles are saved today. Let them also work in unity, righteousness and in love to see that the will of God for world evangelisation is achieved. Do away with prejudice, as it will limit your reach and effectiveness for God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
All men are loved by God.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezekiel 22-24
DCLM Daily Manna 17 November 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.