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Photo: Viewing the Mediterranean Sea at "Caesarea by the Sea" through Peter's eyes © Denison Ministries
Recall the extraordinary at Caesarea Maritima
Caesarea's importance to the biblical story consists of far more than historical tales of caution. This city was also, in many ways, ground zero for one of the most significant gospel events in Scripture.
In Acts 10, we find Peter praying on the roof of a house by the sea when God appears to him in a vision in which he saw a "large sheet" being let down, perhaps resembling an awning over the roof or the sails of boats on the Mediterranean. It contained "animals," "reptiles," and "birds," the threefold division of created life (cf. Genesis 6). Among them were unclean animals that did not chew the cud or have a cloven hoof, yet the Lord still instructed Peter to "kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). As dietary regulations were one of the chief divisions between Jews and Gentiles, this vision related directly to the encounter that would soon follow.
Shortly before God appeared to Peter, another man in the region received a divine message of similar importance. Cornelius and his household came to faith in Christ (Acts 10:1–33).
From Cornelius and Caesarea, the gospel spread to the Gentiles in Antioch (Acts 11:19–30) and from them to the Gentile world (Acts 13:1–3). We can trace our Gentile acceptance into the kingdom of God to Cornelius and Caesarea. Here we find our true spiritual roots.
Unfortunately, those roots can be easy to take for granted.
When last were you grateful for your salvation?
When was the last time you thanked God for welcoming you into His family?
Does the fact that God "does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" just seem like common knowledge?
It could not have been more groundbreaking for Peter and Cornelius.
As we continue our journey through the Holy Land, be mindful of the amazing truths that may have come to seem ordinary.
Ask the Lord to give you a newfound appreciation for all that He's done to bring you to this point in your relationship with Him.
I don't know if Peter thought back to his encounter with Cornelius when he wrote those words, but I do know that I'm grateful they're true.
Are you?
About this Plan
This Lent season, journey through the Holy Land with Dr. Jim Denison in this six-day devotional, excerpted from his book To Follow in His Footsteps. In this vivid and thorough guide through a few significant landmarks to the Christian faith, you will virtually walk where Jesus walked and come away with a new appreciation for all God has done and continues to do in our world.
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