Joyful Moments in Christ

And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” – Acts 10:13-15 (ESV)

Imagine being Peter, a devout follower of Jewish customs, and suddenly confronted with a vision that challenges everything you’ve been taught about cleanliness and holiness. God’s voice breaks through, declaring, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This powerful statement not only transformed Peter’s understanding but also paved the way for a radical shift in how God’s grace is perceived.

As I recently journeyed through the book of Romans, I was struck by this same theme of transition—from the Old Covenant, with its stringent laws and rituals, to the New Covenant, overflowing with grace and redemption. The message in Acts about what is clean extends far beyond dietary laws. It speaks directly to our hearts, offering a profound reminder of God’s limitless cleansing power.

Let’s dive into this theme with a few specific verses from Romans that beautifully echo this revelation to Peter:

• Romans 7:6 (ESV) – But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
• Romans 8:1-2 (ESV) – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
• Romans 14:14 (ESV) – I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

This revelation to Peter is about more than just dietary changes; it’s a testament to God’s profound cleansing power. While being able to enjoy a lobster dinner or a ham sandwich is a small part of it, the real significance lies in God’s ability to cleanse our hearts.

It is so easy to feel beyond saving, burdened by our sins and unworthy of God’s love. Under the Old Testament Law, this might seem true. However, the New Covenant reveals a completely different reality. Jesus’ blood has extraordinary redeeming power that can cleanse whatever God chooses. And to my delight, God has chosen me! If you open your heart to Him, He will choose you too.

Reflection Questions

Personal Reflection

1. How does the phrase “What God has made clean, do not call common” resonate with your personal experience of God’s grace?
2. Can you think of a time when you felt unworthy of God’s love? How does understanding the New Covenant change your perspective?

Scriptural Connection

1. What insights do Romans 7:6, 8:1-2, and 14:14 provide about the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant?
2. How do these verses from Romans help you understand the significance of Peter’s vision in Acts 10:13-15?

Application

1. In what areas of your life do you still hold on to old traditions or beliefs that God has made clean?
2. How can you apply the understanding of God’s cleansing power to your daily life and interactions with others?

Community and Inclusiveness

1. How does recognizing that nothing is unclean in itself impact your view of inclusiveness within the Christian community?
2. Are there any individuals or groups you have unintentionally considered “unclean” or “common”? How can you change your attitude towards them?

Transformation

1. What specific steps can you take to embrace the freedom and cleansing that Christ offers?
2. How can you support others in your community who may feel beyond saving or burdened by their sins?

Faith and Trust

1. How does understanding that God has chosen you strengthen your faith and trust in Him?
2. In what ways can you open your heart more fully to God’s transformative power?

Reflective Prayer

Use the verses in this devotional to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication

• Adoration: Praise God. Do these verses bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Do these verses bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from these verses inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from these verses inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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Related Resources

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.