Thoughts on the readings for May 2nd (Deuteronomy 19, Ecclesiastes 11, Acts 10)

Deuteronomy 19 commences in verses 1-13 with the regulations for the protection of the unwitting man slayer and the provision by Israel's Sovereign of cities for refuge for these people. An example of the innocent manslayer is given by the flying of a loose axe head unfortunately killing a man, ie an innocent person be slain by an unintended accident. So the LORD provides rules to prevent the avenging of death. Cities are provided for protecting the innocent. Once within the gates of one of these cities the one who flees for his/her life is under divine protection. The persons seeking refuge are to stay within those locations until the death of the High Priest. We are all unwillingly guilty of requiring the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. However in him we have continuing refuge because our High Priest lives for ever. Read Hebrews 11:16; 13:10-16. If the cities of God's provision were not enough an additional three cities could be added. Verses 11-13 tells that the Almighty's gracious provision did not include the protection of the murderer. Verse 14 declares that the boundaries within the Promised Land could not be changed. The inheritance of each family was protected by their Almighty Redeemer. Verses 15-21 describe the necessity for witnesses to act from integrity and not from self interest. No judgment is to be made without a minimum of two to three witnesses. A false witness stood condemned by their own evil intentions and was to receive the penalty that had been sought against the accused party. Such a just law was ensuring the preserving of integrity among God's people. Chapter 11 of Ecclesiastes continues the theme of wise and foolish actions always have consequences. Therefore act from wisdom and the best outcomes will follow. Verse 1 counsels generosity and providing for future benefit. Verses 2-3 remind us that in life often what happens is beyond our control so we need to gracefully accept and submit ourselves to our Almighty Creator. Verse 4 tells us not to find excuses for our own idleness. Verse 6 speaks of the fact that our all wise Maker acts in His wisdom. So trust Him! Verse 6-9 encourage faithfulness and diligence in our service to our Father. The chapter and section concludes with a reminder of the futility of a life without God. Acts 8 saw the conversion of a descendant of Ham; chapter 9 of Shem; and chapter 10 of Japheth - part of the pattern of taking the gospel to the entire world - as outlined in chapter 1. The first four verses of Acts 10 tell us of a model proselyte in every respect apart from his ignorance of the gospel, and his need of baptism for the forgiveness of his sins. Cornelius is commanded to send for Peter. Whilst in Joppa Peter had gone to the rooftop to pray. In a hungry state he falls into a trance and is given a vision of all kinds of animals - clean and unclean ie ceremonially. If Peter truly had such scruples why was he lodging with a tanner ie a maker of leather goods who is always surrounded by dead animals that are tanned to produce leather. Three times Peter is commanded to, "rise, kill and eat"; but three times refuses. On the second occasion Peter is told, "Don't call what God has cleansed unclean". Whilst Peter is thinking about the vision he is summoned by three men seeking his company. The visitors tell Peter of the command which the angel had issued to Cornelius. These three men are lodged and leave for Caesarea the following day. Chapter 11 says that Peter expected some resistance to what could transpire from Jewish converts and so he is accompanied by six faithful Jewish brothers. Cornelius humbly receives Peter, who refused to be honoured. Cornelius reiterates his command from the angel. Peter responds in verses 34-43 by beginning with the vital point that "God is impartial and the basis of His acceptance is a reverence for the Almighty and an attempt to follow in His righteous ways". In verse 38 Peter reveals the Christ to those assembled as the Word attested to by the Father in the supporting of Christ's words with miracles. As Peter continues speaking the Holy Spirit comes on Cornelius' household just like it came on the Apostles in Acts 2. Peter asks his amazed companions if they could in all conscience forbid baptism. Since they couldn't Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptised. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit and immediate baptism thereafter demonstrate that he believed the gospel acceptably to the Father. The Almighty chooses His children and often shows that by subsequent events: 2 Timothy 2:19. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-may-2nd-deuteronomy-19-ecclesiastes-11-acts-10/?feed_id=91098&_unique_id=68133508655af