Title: The Lord Said
Contents
<Today's Word>
34 Peter opened his mouth and said, Truly, God does not look at the outward appearance of men,
35 I realized that among all the nations, all who fear God and do righteousness are accepted.
36 Words sent to the children of Israel, preaching the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all
37 You also know that it was preached throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John proclaimed the baptism
38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39 We are witnesses of all that he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, and they put him to death by hanging him on a tree.
40 God raised him up on the third day and revealed him
41 Not to all the people, but to the witnesses chosen beforehand, to us who ate with him after his resurrection from the dead.
42 He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that this is the one whom God has appointed to judge the living and the dead.
43 All the prophets testify about him, saying that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
44 As Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the word.
45 The circumcised believers who came with Peter were astonished that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles as well.
46 For they spoke in tongues and heard that God was exalted.
47 Then Peter said to them, "Who can forbid baptism with water, since these have received the Holy Spirit as we do?"
48 He commanded them to baptize them in the name of Jesus Christ. They asked Peter to stay a few more days.
We have come to the end of the year. Looking back, there are things to be grateful for and things to regret. It would be nice if it could be arranged so that it could be easily cut like water with a knife, but life is not so easy to organize, just like our daily living. It is clear in the mind, but in reality, it is our living that can be all messed up. As we wrap up the year, true hope and faith come more urgently.
◆ Enlightenment always comes late?
One of the disappointing things is that there are always parts that you can learn after passing. Nothing is certain right now. No, why do these things have to happen to me? I think it's really creepy. Enlightenment always comes late. But if you can realize it later, it is a blessing. Because in the Lord it is never too late to turn. Are you saddened by missed opportunities and times? Then meet the Lord. A new path arises.
◆ The Lord did it.
In the end, what we confess is that the Lord did it. My problem is that I get more focused on what people have done than what the Lord has done. This makes the problem more complex and unsolvable. Like rolling a snowball... Rather than wrestling with an unresolved problem, meditate on the Lord who gave it to you. Obviously there are things people do in the world. But it is also clear that there are things the Lord does. What we must confess is this. The Lord did it.
◆ Live a life of surprise and wonder.
When Peter meets Cornelius, he discovers facts he hadn't thought of. Through Cornelius, he realizes anew what the gospel of Jesus Christ is. And you will experience again who God is. There are surprises in the life of experiencing God's work. Our lives are flat because what we experience is only that level. Raise the level of your experience. Your standard of living will be different. There is a life the Lord has prepared for you. Jesus Hope!