November 11 - Acts 10:1-12:5

Good morning everyone,

Today’s reading, as Gentiles, is a very exciting read for us. Up until now, the teaching of the gospel had been pretty much exclusive to the Jews. Steeped in Jewish tradition, and filled with certain prejudice, the Jews believed the Gentiles were unclean, the gospel was not for them. Tabu. And then …..

As it happened, Cornelius was a centurion, obviously not Jewish, living in Caesarea. He and his family were God-fearing people who prayed often. One day he had a vision where and angel of the Lord said, “Cornelius!” Now I am going to be honest, that made me chuckle. Seriously? You’re there on your knees having a quiet time and you hear an angel call out your name, punctuated with an exclamation. Now, in my crazy, sense of humor, mind’s eye I can see him looking all around wondering , “What … who said that?” After all, how often does something like that happen? I am quite certain I would have a look of fear on my face, as well. You? Anyway, the angel’s message for Cornelius was to send for Peter. And so he did.

Now, meanwhile, Peter is hanging out at, his friend, Simon’s house. One afternoon he goes up to the roof to pray, he gets hungry and apparently asked someone to make him something to eat because we’re told that while his food was being prepared, he fell into a trance. Not once, not twice but three times the Lord had to show Peter the vision and tell him, “Get up Peter. Kill and eat.” “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was scratching his head. Four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds, clean? It did not make sense to him, it went against everything he had ever been taught. Then the Lord then told Peter to go with the three men who were there to fetch him. So, Peter, God love him, wanders downstairs and says, “Yo, I am the one you’re looking for. And why are you here?” He hears their request and says, “Far out.” (paraphrased) Then off they go.

Cornelius, knowing when to expect Peter’s arrival, gathered together his relatives and close friends. It was a large gathering of people, we’re told. I imagine Peter was a bit suspicious at first, as he said to them, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” Cornelius relayed his story and then it all started making sense to Peter and he was glad to share the good news. 

While there is so much to be learned from this story, what struck me most were two things: 

1. Cornelius and his family were religious, devoted and sincere, however, they did not know Christ. They had a “religion” not a relationship with Jesus. Hearing the Gospel, how much Jesus loved them and that He died for them would change all that. They would take this love back to Rome and share it with others.
2. When God speaks to us in prayer, or vision or the Bible or any way, we must not challenge or debate Him about it. We are called to be humble and submissive to His revealed truth. Right? Our mentality should be, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” No questions asked! Knowing His plan is perfect we should just trust and obey then sit back and watch His plan unfold. I promise you it will be wondrous.

God's love is the greatest gift we can receive in life. And it's also the key to experiencing the abundant life God has planned for us. In the book of John we’re told, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And while the Bible doesn't tell us every little detail about what we need to do to experience that in our daily lives, we do have the Holy Spirit to help us with that, through the still, small voice and promptings He speaks to our hearts. Are you listening? I pray we all are. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..