In the verses of Acts 11:17-18, a profound revelation unfolds as Peter acknowledges the power and will of God in granting the gift of the Holy Ghost not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. His humility and recognition that his role is to fulfill God's will echo the essence of true servanthood. Peter's affirmation that he could not withstand God's plan underlines the sovereignty and grandeur of God's purpose. The significance of making Jesus Christ our Lord surpasses mere belief in Him as the anointed one or Savior. It entails surrendering our will to His, an act of faith that imbues our testimony with divine authority. When Jesus becomes not only the anointed one and Savior but also our Lord, we submit to His divine authority, declaring, "not my will, but thine be done in my life."
The verses further showcase God's inclusive salvation plan for all, as the Gentiles receive His gift of repentance unto eternal life. This profound act challenges the preconceived notions of exclusivity prevalent in Jewish history. Old Testament prophecies foretold this event, highlighting God's overarching plan for the redemption of all mankind.
One striking example of God's inclusive love is seen in Matthew 15:21-28, where Jesus ministers to a woman of Canaan, emphasizing God's mercy and grace extended beyond the confines of Jewish tradition. This interaction exemplifies God's compassion for all who earnestly seek Him, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.
"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon." "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." "But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us." "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me." "But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." "And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." Matthew 15:21-28
The encounter with the Canaanite woman serves as a poignant reminder that God's plan of salvation is open to all who believe, irrespective of their background or heritage. It illuminates the truth that salvation is for "whosoever will," echoing the universal call of God to humanity. Through Peter's revelation and the account of Jesus ministering to the Gentiles, we are reminded of the all-encompassing nature of God's love and salvation. His mercy knows no bounds, reaching out to the lost and marginalized, inviting them into the fold of His grace.
In conclusion, the narrative of God's plan for all who believe unfolds through the acts of Peter and Jesus, revealing a tapestry of divine providence that transcends human barriers. As we embrace Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, may we, too, be vessels of His love and agents of His redemptive purpose to a world in need of His saving grace.
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