Jesus Asked

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."   Acts 10:34-35

Peter was a blessed man.  He was blessed by the Holy Spirit because of his faith in Jesus and the second chance that Peter was given.  He is a testament to what God can do with anyone, from anywhere, at any time. 

As Peter traveled sharing the good news of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, many, many people became believers.  He was able to witness to people of many creeds, sects, nationalities with all the same result: baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of their sins.

When studying Peter's evangelical travels, it's easy to overlook the fact that he was a stranger, in a strange land, in most of his travels.  Yet, he was accepted and revered by all who came to know him and meet him.  The Lord would go before him and make a way; create the opportunity to share the good news. Why?  Because Peter loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, spirit and body.

Just as it is written in acts, God does not play favorites when it comes to saving lives from sin.  He does ask for a couple of simple acts from those wanting freedom: fear the Lord and follow his commandments.
I myself lose sight of the simplicity of Jesus' requests because of the draw of this world and the many "things" it has to offer. 

To fear the Lord should happen in the heart when we come to understand how awesome and powerful and mighty and merciful and loving and gracious he is.  To fear the Lord is the end result of knowing the Lord.  Just as we instantly feel a deep love for a child at the moment of their birth, we can, and should, feel reverence for the Lord the moment we truly know him.

To do what is right, as Peter said, or follow his commandments, requires a change in our mind and thinking.  To leave our old way of thinking for a new is difficult and must be focused on daily.  Love your neighbors as you love the Lord and love the Lord with all your heart.  Simple, yet profound.  See the love of Christ and the light of God in everyone and it changes how you "see" people. This is what Jesus asked of me when I came to know him.