WEDNESDAY May 17, 2023
Sent to Proclaim the Savior
And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”
Acts 10:27-29
As Peter spoke with Cornelius, he saw all these people gathered together to hear him. Seizing the opportunity and knowing he had been led by the Lord, he began to set a precedence to preach. Everything began to click. Peter understood the vision the Lord gave to him. It was not so much about eating the unclean food shown to him in the vision, but it was about associating with the Gentiles, whom Jews considered to be unclean.
Peter began with what was known to them both: For the Jew to keep company with those from another nation was unlawful. What had God shown Peter? “But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” So far so good! Then Peter basically asked Cornelius, “So why am I here? What is it you what to know?” Cornelius explained to Peter what had happened:
“Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:30-33).
Cornelius and his company had hearts ready to hear the Gospel. Isn’t that beautiful? God was extending His grace to the Gentiles!
God will speak to the hearts of those who prepare themselves to hear; and conversely, those who do not so prepare themselves will hear nothing even though the Word of God is falling upon their outer ears every Sunday.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
