“These are the instructions regarding land animals, birds, marine creatures, and animals that scurry along the ground. By these instructions you will know what is unclean and clean, and which animals may be eaten and which may not be eaten.” [Leviticus 11.46-47]
The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. [Acts 10.9-16]
As seen in the passages above, something drastically changed from Leviticus 11.46-47 to Acts 10.9-16! It had everything to do with Jesus' resurrection.
There was something about unclean animals before Jesus that reminded Israel that they were God's chosen people and that they should not mingle with foreigners. Even, then, however, we have record of "rabble" who traveled with Israel in the wilderness who were accepted if they followed Jewish customs.
A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock. [Exodus 12.38]
But the problem started when that rabble influenced many of Israel with their dissatisfaction with Jewish customs.
Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed. [Numbers 11.4]
Think! Where did Israel get all the herds and livestock they sacrificed to God? THEY HAD LARGE HERDS OF LIVESTOCK WITH THEM! So, what was the complaint about in Numbers 11.4? The complaint was initiated by the rabble because the "meat" they wanted was forbidden meat - the meat of pigs, catfish, and other unclean animals that Israel obviously would not have had with them!
It was a big deal. So, why did God make it okay for Israel then to eat unclean animals after Jesus' resurrection? Because God made them clean - "unclean" was no longer a problem! It was all part of God's plan to reveal His love for "the world" and not just for Israel. Thank God that Peter understood that!
Israel's wilderness journey was long and difficult because they refused to obey. They, like nearly every human being, desired that which was forbidden. And, it cost them dearly.
Not eating certain animals was a sign that Israel was God's.
In contrast, with Jesus' resurrection, the "cleaning" of all animals previously deemed "unclean" was God's sign that He loves and desires fellowship with all the world.
It seems wrong to love bacon so much and not realize God's love!!!
Father, thank You for making it clear to us all that You love the world and desire fellowship with all.
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