Acts 10:9-23

Change is an unavoidable fact.  Becoming a disciple of Christ does not put a stop to change, however He does help guide its direction and its rate.  As we follow Christ, the changes in our life can become drastic.  Upon occasion, obedience to Him will mean changes in location and vocations.  Peter went from being a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee to being a fisher of men in Joppa.

More important than the external changes to Peter’s life were the internal changes that following Jesus made.  Peter had learned from Jesus’ example.  Jesus had associated with Samaritans, publicans and sinners.  Now Peter was living with a tanner.

Peter had a reputation for being bold and brash.  This text does not speak to it directly, but following Jesus resulted in Peter being more circumspect and thoughtful.  Christ does not always change our personalities as much as He shapes them.

Walking with Christ changes the direction of our lives, but also the Holy Spirit works to change the speed at which we change.  The scripture has made it obvious that Peter is changing, but he has not changed enough to prepare him to meet Cornelius.  This meeting is going to be historic for the church.  It is going to be the occasion that God uses to make clear to the entire world that the gospel is for the gentiles as well as the Jews.  God gives Peter a vision because Peter needed to have an aha moment.  He needed to have a paradigm shift.  God did not change Peter’s mind by force.  Instead, God gave him the vision to think upon, and this allowed Peter to accept the truth as it became clear in his thinking.

Following Jesus does not allow us to become petrified.  As long as we are living, we will be changing.  Bible study, prayer and fellowship all provides opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work within us.  He uses them to produce change in our hearts and minds.  He guides us as we change into the likeness of Christ.