May 12, 2008...3:55 am
Monday, May 12th - Acts 10
When giving the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). He ends with “Lo, I am with you always.” Jesus is truly with us, setting up divine appointments to advance His Kingdom. We are called to be a part of this! As you read this passage, ask the Lord to please allow us to have moments like Peter’s with Cornelius…’cause He can set them up!
INSIGHTS
Cornelius is an extraordinary mix of godliness, and the perfect circumstances for the task at hand. He was a devout, God-fearing, generous and prayerful man, with a strong family, and esteemed by gentiles and Jews alike. But also, a powerful Roman military man, from outside of Judea. God meets him in prayer, and utilizes his position for an extraordinary appointment. “Dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon.” Not everyone has some men to dispatch, and not everyone would be able to explain a divine vision to his team, and get them to buy into the assignment!
Meanwhile, Peter is hungry, and having visions of lunch (been there, but not to this divine extent!). He sees the ceremonially unclean animals, is told “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!”, and then utters a phrase that got him in real trouble back in Matthew 16: “”By no means, Lord!” Peter still has that confident streak, even in the face of God being God in extraordinary ways right before his eyes! And, of course, the angel has to repeat himself three times to get through to Peter (e.g., “you will deny me three times”, “feed my sheep”).
When Peter finally obeys and goes with his visitors to Caesarea and makes his appointment with Cornelius, there are a few awkward moments. Peter is torn between the vision and his heritage. Cornelius debates between his instincts and the truth. Neither knows exactly why this meeting has been summoned: Peter knows he should go to Cornelius, and Cornelius knows he should hear what Peter has to say. What could this be?
Peter knows: It’s the gospel. So, here it comes again: Jesus, his works, the cross, the resurrection, the great commission, the promise of forgiveness and salvation. Then, the God’s gospel action: the giving of the Holy Spirit. And, the church’s gospel action: baptism into the community of faith!
CHALLENGES
1. Peter and Cornelius have something in common: They are both committed to prayer! Do you have this in common with them? If not, perhaps this is what keeps you from being used by God for these types of appointments.
2. Having an unusual relational moment you weren’t expecting? What should you say? Peter knew…it’s always gospel time! Do you have your gospel ready, like Peter did?
3. Peter had to get over his idea that other people were somehow not as, well, “clean” as he. Who is there in your life who you find distasteful? Let’s take our pride to the Lord, and have Him remove it, like He did for Peter!
Now, Peter has to share this amazing event with his church back home. Do you think they’ll take this meat-eating, gentile-loving experience easily? We’ll see tomorrow…
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Bill Hartley
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