Unstoppable! 'God's Angel' — Acts 11:13-14

Thursday, June 22, 2023

[Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, 'Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!'"

— Acts 11:13-14 NLT

Key Thought

When Peter met with Cornelius, Peter was a considerable distance from Jerusalem and away from the normal places we saw him during Jesus' ministry. However, God used his traveling — his "going" — to great advantage. Because of Peter's obedience to Jesus' final words (Matthew 28:18-20), God moved him into a position where he could work for the inclusion of Gentiles in the family of God. This initial case designed by God to include Gentiles in his family of faith began with Peter being willing to go on mission for Jesus to places outside his normal range of familiarity and his normal places. Let's follow his example and do the same: Let's intentionally step out of our usual range of familiarity and our usual places so we can reach others with the Good News of Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Open my heart, dear Father, to the opportunities I have each day — and especially today — to move outside my comfort zone so that I intentionally journey into areas that are new to me and spend time among people who are unfamiliar to me. Use me to reach others with your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 8:1-4, 14, 25
  • Romans 15:17-33

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:13-14 NLT — [Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, 'Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!'"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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