May 20, 2024

Acts 10:1-8  (HCSB)
Cornelius’s Vision
10 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God. 3 About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him. 8 After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Mark Jenkins
Cornelius was a Centurian in the Roman Army. He was a leader of men and a God-fearing man; as such he respected Jewish beliefs and customs. Cornelius prayed to God and did charitable deeds, something that likely set him apart from most Roman soldiers. An angel of God came to him and gave him an assignment. Cornelius was likely fearful in the presence of God’s angel, but he ordered three trusted servants to go get Peter, as requested. As I looked at these short verses I thought to myself, what would I do? I have been a Christian since I was nine years old. If an angel of the Lord came to me, would I respond without question to do what was asked? I hope so. This seems like an easy task...go get Simon Peter. What if the task was something more direct of me? What if God was calling me into His service in some way that disrupted my life? Of course, all of us hope we would be like Cornelius and immediately respond to the ask. Let’s pray that God will give us strength, knowledge, and guidance to follow Him no matter the ask!