TO THE UTTERMOST

Jesus commissioned the church to evangelize in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). If Jesus had been speaking to us, He might have said, “Preach the Gospel at home and in your own neighborhood. Then enlarge your territory by taking the Good News to your city, county, and state. Next, carry the message of Jesus to the whole nation, from ‘sea to shining sea.’ Finally, take the message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone, and proclaim it around the globe, to every tribe, and tongue, and nation!”

But, from an early age, Peter had been taught that “it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner”(Acts 10:28). So, God gave Peter a sign.

While Peter was resting, “he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. A voice said to him, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat’ ” (Acts 10:10-13).

Peter quickly responded! “No way! I’ve never eaten ham, or bacon, or pork chops!” God responded, “What God has made clean, do not call impure” (Acts 10:15). God wasn’t just talking about food; He was explaining that Peter must share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles!

So, when a group of men appeared at the door, asking Peter to explain the way of salvation to a family of Gentiles, Peter was faithful and obedient, even carrying the Good News to a Roman centurion named Cornelius. As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit filled the hearts of the Gentiles! It was glorious!

“Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him… He is Lord of all” (Acts 10:34-36) ... red and yellow, black and white, we are ALL precious in His sight! God’s grace is color-blind!

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).