Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The Compassionate touch of Jesus Christ that sanctifies
Bible portion: Acts 10:34-43“Predestined to be Saved”
Vs 43 . All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Reflection:
Predestination, in Scriptural context, is derived from the Greek word proorizō, and it simply means “to designate before.” If we were to expand further, predestination is a Biblical doctrine and it is directly linked with God’s foreknowledge, His love, and His greater plan for His chosen individuals. Ephesians 1:5 tells us of our predestination “to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself.” Although predestination entails God choosing us to be saved, we also must make the choice so that we receive God’s salvation.
As we all know, Peter was a mere fisherman until Jesus chose him out of many to fulfill a far greater purpose. From social outcast, Peter became one among Jesus’s favored apostles and a witness to the Jews. As we read in Act 10:9-23, Peter was given a vision while praying on a rooftop. The message was as follows: nothing made by the hands of God is impure. Although Peter did not understand the meaning behind the vision, the message was about to be unveiled through his immediate encounter with Cornelius’s men. Previously, the Roman centurion encountered God’s angel while, like Peter, was also praying. The angel of the Lord informed him about Simon Peter’s whereabouts who in turn sent his men to Peter’s residence in Joppa (Acts 10:1-7).
It was during Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his men where God’s message behind the vison was unveiled. As written in verses 34-35, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’” The message was clear: salvation is not based on national identity, nor good works but it is centered on the life and love of Jesus Christ. Salvation is for all of God’s faithful who are witnesses of His love and who willing receives His Spirit. Consequently, Cornelius along with all who listened, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized in water (v. 44-46).
From this chapter, it is evident that the Holy Spirit is constantly at work through the lives of Peter and Cornelius. It is also made clear how we all are predestined for God’s greater purpose. If God can use a fisherman to bring salvation to the so-called “unclean” (according to Jewish law), then imagine what God’s plan is for each of us who are receiving His Word? Though we are fortunate to be His chosen, we also have a responsibility to go beyond our place of comfort and to be God’s witnesses to the ones whom we are least likely to approach. Furthermore, God’s vision for us may not be revealed right away, but only unraveled according to His time.
PRAYER
Father, we thank you for being a faithful God. Although we live in a world where our circumstances at times are shaky, we know that we can rely on an unshakeable God whose promises are everlasting. Allow us to be Your beloved children and to fulfil our roles in this life as You intend it. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“I believe that nothing happens apart from divine determination and decree. We shall never be able to escape from the doctrine of divine predestination - the doctrine that God has foreordained certain people unto eternal life.” - Charles Spurgeon
Mr. Lennie Philip
Tabor Mar Thoma Church,Staten Island,NY
Predestination, in Scriptural context, is derived from the Greek word proorizō, and it simply means “to designate before.” If we were to expand further, predestination is a Biblical doctrine and it is directly linked with God’s foreknowledge, His love, and His greater plan for His chosen individuals. Ephesians 1:5 tells us of our predestination “to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself.” Although predestination entails God choosing us to be saved, we also must make the choice so that we receive God’s salvation.
As we all know, Peter was a mere fisherman until Jesus chose him out of many to fulfill a far greater purpose. From social outcast, Peter became one among Jesus’s favored apostles and a witness to the Jews. As we read in Act 10:9-23, Peter was given a vision while praying on a rooftop. The message was as follows: nothing made by the hands of God is impure. Although Peter did not understand the meaning behind the vision, the message was about to be unveiled through his immediate encounter with Cornelius’s men. Previously, the Roman centurion encountered God’s angel while, like Peter, was also praying. The angel of the Lord informed him about Simon Peter’s whereabouts who in turn sent his men to Peter’s residence in Joppa (Acts 10:1-7).
It was during Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his men where God’s message behind the vison was unveiled. As written in verses 34-35, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’” The message was clear: salvation is not based on national identity, nor good works but it is centered on the life and love of Jesus Christ. Salvation is for all of God’s faithful who are witnesses of His love and who willing receives His Spirit. Consequently, Cornelius along with all who listened, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized in water (v. 44-46).
From this chapter, it is evident that the Holy Spirit is constantly at work through the lives of Peter and Cornelius. It is also made clear how we all are predestined for God’s greater purpose. If God can use a fisherman to bring salvation to the so-called “unclean” (according to Jewish law), then imagine what God’s plan is for each of us who are receiving His Word? Though we are fortunate to be His chosen, we also have a responsibility to go beyond our place of comfort and to be God’s witnesses to the ones whom we are least likely to approach. Furthermore, God’s vision for us may not be revealed right away, but only unraveled according to His time.
PRAYER
Father, we thank you for being a faithful God. Although we live in a world where our circumstances at times are shaky, we know that we can rely on an unshakeable God whose promises are everlasting. Allow us to be Your beloved children and to fulfil our roles in this life as You intend it. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
“I believe that nothing happens apart from divine determination and decree. We shall never be able to escape from the doctrine of divine predestination - the doctrine that God has foreordained certain people unto eternal life.” - Charles Spurgeon
Mr. Lennie Philip
Tabor Mar Thoma Church,Staten Island,NY