Acts 10:1-8
In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.” When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.
He strikes me as a consequential man, one who was respected for his goodness and ethical leading. Cornelius was important, with power and influence. The life story of Cornelius is an interesting case study in what happens when someone that does not possess faith does good works that would typically point to a sound faith. Or, you might say, the angle of the Letter of James in a different direction. What does it look like when works lead to faith? When someone does good things like loving and caring for others (not just for appearances) and praying for peace and harmony, it seems that God notices. God, then draws you in further. His steps in discerning and discovery would likely have an influence on the early Christian church in Italy. Works don't save you, but they are clearly desired by God. This emphasis undoubtedly had an influence on other believers. More on that in the later parts next week (Monday and Tuesday).
I never tire of recognizing how one thing that God directs me to can lead to another. Sometimes the smallest thing that someone says can be a part of God giving guidance. Of course, I prefer the words and clear pointing in the midst of prayer. (Even better, would be a dazzling angel with directions.) God loves to network us together. We need to be sure we are listening very carefully. consequences can be negative and positive. Followers of Christ work to be positive and helpful, never tiring of doing good for others. This is how we show the four letter emotion that displays God's activity and character so well. Don't just spell it out, let it show the consequence of your faith.
You are the source and the ending.
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