Luke the physician wrote how, “Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth. Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat”, and in chapter ten and verse fourteen of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “Peter said, Not so” where we read:
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
The verse begins, “But Peter said, Not so, Lord;” Luke began with the words, “but Peter said” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Peter, whose name means a little rock or stone and was one of Jesus' disciples, uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “not so, Lord” or “by no means, One to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master, and the title given to God the Messiah”. Luke shared how “Peter” knew the “voice” was the “Lord's”, however, he told Him “by no means” would he “slay and eat” the animals and creatures in the large sheet.
The verse goes on to say, “for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.” Luke continued with the words, “for I have never eaten anything” which means “because, since and on account that I, Peter, have not at any time consumed or devoured any particular food” “that is common” or “that is ordinary, unhallowed, profane” “or unclean” which means “nor not cleansed, impure or foul”. Luke shared how “Peter” told the “Lord” he had never “consumed or devoured” any food that was considered “impure or foul”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter” refused to “eat” anything that was on the “linen sheet” lowered to him. He told the “Lord” how he never “ate” “impure and unhallowed” food which means he ate “kosher” meals or those that aligned with the Levitical law. The Lord Jesus knew what He was doing with Peter, and because His plan was to spread His “gospel” to an even larger number of people, “Peter” was going to be stretched beyond his traditions and religion. It is interesting that “Peter” calls Him “Lord” but tell Him “no”. Even so God loves people, and He desires to have a personal relationship with them through belief and trust in His Son Jesus. Those who are wise will understand God's love for them and His willingness to put aside traditions and rules so every person has an opportunity to be saved. Let all who realize Jesus is “Lord” and obey whatever instruction He gives them to perform.
Next time Luke shares how, “the voice spoke unto him again the second time”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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