Written by Aisha Darwesh
The Word
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. –Acts 10:34-35 ESV
Aisha’s Analysis
Today’s verses illustrate a beautiful culmination of open hearts and open doors. We see that not only did Cornelius need something from Peter, but Peter also needed something from Cornelius. Cornelius needed to hear the Gospel proclaimed via Peter, and Peter needed to understand that God shows no partiality as he states in Acts 10:34 above. Additionally, everyone in Peter and Cornelius’ circles needed to see how God responds to and restores sinful humanity.
What this tells us is that no one person has it all figured out. We all need each other to experience God in a deeper way. We also see God’s thoughtful intentionality to prepare Peter and Cornelius to meet in a way that would resonate with each of them in a meaningful way.
One might say Peter and Cornelius’ meeting was miraculous. Before Peter had his vision of the great sheet with animals descending (Acts 10:9-16), he considered it unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation (Acts 10:28). Before his epiphany and encounter with God, there is no way Peter would have considered paying a social call to someone from another nation. Similarly, Cornelius, a Centurion in the Italian Regiment, most likely would not have associated with Peter, and was prompted to send for Peter by an angel of the Lord (Acts 10:4-8).
Both Peter and Cornelius were led to meet as a result of spending time in prayer and listening to God’s voice. This is what led to each of them taking a small step out in faith and seeing God’s plans play out in perfect harmony. A life of faith in God requires both making space for Him to speak and guide us as well as walking in the light we have. Throughout this passage of scripture, we see the Lord illuminating just enough of the path to take that next step, which is exactly what Peter and Cornelius did.
Application
What is something God is currently showing you and how can you respond in faith? Is He impressing on your heart someone that He wants you to reach out to? Is that something you have faith for or can you show up with curiosity regarding what He is showing you?
As we’ve seen in today’s scriptures, change usually comes on the inside first. As we respond in faith, we then see God’s work both internally and externally. Today, take some time to seek God in prayer and allow Him to speak into your life. Prayerfully consider what your next move will be and step out in faith.
Prayer
Father God, I am eternally grateful to have an internal Guide, the Holy Spirit, to illuminate my path every step of the way. How lucky I am to be Your very own peculiar treasure. May I show up in faith and boldness as I journey with You to advance Your Kingdom, both in the world around me as well as the world inside me. May Your perfect will prevail. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.
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