Standing in God’s Way?

These disciples thought they had everything figured out. That they understood God’s Word and plans. They might have been surprised when the Spirit had fallen on them on the Day of Pentecost. But they seemed to have fit this nicely into their pre-packaged theology.

Then, when they heard what happened to Peter, they “took issue” with him. He had violated their traditions and laws by eating and speaking with Gentiles. Even more problematic, these Gentiles had “received the word of God.” How could Peter have let this happen?

He simply related what had taken place. How he had received a supernatural vision. How God told him that what He had cleansed, “no longer consider unholy.”

He realized that God was doing something new. Forced to re-think his theology, Peter concluded, “If God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

Amazingly, Peter was saying that he actually could have stood in God’s way! How? By clinging to traditions and past theology. By refusing to cooperate. But Peter decided to put aside His prejudices, and let God teach him new things.

Listening, the other disciples were at least somewhat convinced: “They quieted down and glorified God.”

Is it possible for us to be like those first-century apostles? Convinced that we know everything? Putting our own limits on what we think God can do? Creating our own narrow interpretations of His Word? Standing in His way?

Today, seek God in a fresh way. Don’t limit Him by your theology or preconceived ideas. Let Him speak to you, teach you, and change you.