Stand in the Way

Acts 11:17-18

...If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life."

After Peter's time with the Gentiles, he went to Jerusalem where he was criticized heavily by the circumcision party who could not believe that he had eaten and fellowshiped with uncircumcised men. He responded with a detailed account of what had happened. The main point of which was that if God moves and blesses then who am I to stand in the way. What a great attitude! If all believers would just remember that simple question, Who am I that I can stand in God's way? How many problems would be averted? What amazing unity would result! Thankfully the hearts of the criticisers were receptive to Peter's words. Falling silent, they glorified God! Not only did the Gentiles gain salvation through Jesus, but unity between Jew and Gentile was established. Jesus had broken down this huge, cultural barrier! When the power of God is at work, the end result is His glory which brings unity to His children, unity within the ranks (Jew to Jew) and unity without the ranks (Jew to Gentile).

Father,

Show me clearly how to follow Your words and Your way. Help me never to stand in Your way, but instead to share Your way.

In Jesus name,

Amen