TUESDAY May 16, 2023
Worship God, not Man
On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
Acts 10:23-25
Peter left to go with the men to Cornelius’ residence. He was completely breaking Jewish tradition. It was unheard of for a Jew to enter into the home of a Gentile, so he decided to choose some brethren to take with him. That way he was not falsely accused of anything.
Cornelius was so excited! He knew, in answer to his prayers, he was going to hear from God in whatever Peter shared with him. So he decided to invite all his relatives and friends. When Peter arrived, Cornelius not only met him, but he worshiped him. Notice Peter’s reaction. He immediately confessed he was just an ordinary man like anyone else: But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
Peter did not require that Cornelius kiss his hand or worship him in any way. With God there is no respecter of persons. We are all the same––His servants. None of us can take credit for anything God has done. His plan of redemption through His Son is solely an act of His grace and mercy. Fix your eyes on these Scriptures, and you will understand why He is the only One we must worship:
Ephesians 1:7: In Him [Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace....
Acts 17:24-25: “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.”
Psalm 95:6: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
Spend time worshiping your Maker for all He has done for you.
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
~John 4:24~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
