Discerning God’s Will - Acts 10:17-42 There are times and circumstances that are not always easy to discern as to how God may be leading. Peter was in such a state of mind and heart as he weighed what he had just seen and heard of God and how the LORD was leading him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, with whom the legalizing Jews considered it unlawful to keep company, Acts 10:28. However, Cornelius was one of the redeemed from every tribe and nation that God had chosen out, and it must needs that he be taught of one such as Peter, the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ, Acts 10:39-43. But just as humbling it was for Cornelius, an elite religious centurion, whom the LORD caused to seek out Peter, a lowly fisherman, that the LORD had also called in Grace to Himself, having redeemed him, and chosen him from eternity, as an object of His Eternal Grace, 1 Peter 1:2. The LORD caused each to know His will for the other, and to do it, irrespective of the differences of each in culture, mindset, and the fact that neither would have sought the other out, had not the LORD so purposed.
Can anyone ever get out of the will of the LORD? Not that of the Sovereign LORD. He ALWAYS accomplishes His purpose and will through His creatures, Daniel 4:35. But particularly in salvation, in sovereign wisdom and power He brings each one of His chosen ones to Himself in His time, through the preaching of the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
What then do we learn from this as to how God makes His will known, and brings us of His own to bow to His will?
1. None of us has perfect knowledge of God’s will without the clear revelation of God: “17Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean,“
2. The LORD does make His will plain in His time: “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.”
3. The Spirit works and leads through His Word and providence: “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.”
4. The LORD does confirm His will and bring everything to pass in harmony with His will, as He will, “21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.” Ken Wimer
Older
Top
