Scripture: Acts 11:1-3–1Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
Observation: The Gospel is advancing and hitting new territory at breakneck speed. Somewhere amidst the madness Peter gets a revelation from God that the Gospel is not just for the Jews but for all mankind (this is good news). Peter begins leading Gentiles to new life in Jesus when all the sudden word of his shenanigans begins to spread. (insert climactic mood music here)
Sure enough, when something really good happens you can count on some killjoy to step up and tell you how you weren’t doing it right or should’ve done it different. Peter returns to Jerusalem with great news of the Gospel spreading to the Gentiles. However, his joy was not reciprocated when he is confronted with the critics. Verse 2 says, “the cicumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
Application: Anytime you step out and do something different someone will always be waiting to criticize. Peter was not immune and you are not either. This group of people missed the miracle because they couldn’t see past their expectations and preferences.
Prayer: God give me strength to do what You lead me to do regardless of the critics. Help me to always celebrate what You are doing and refuse to criticize that which I don’t understand. Amen