PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 10:1-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4)
Cornelius is not Jewish, not circumcised, not a Jesus follower, not baptized.
He does not go to church, and yet he is a God-honouring good person.
His ‘goodness’ doesn’t save him, but shows that God is at work in him.
This story reminds me that God is at work in non-churchy people too.
I know many Cornelius’s, people who are humble, sincere and eager to do good.
They don’t buy into all the churchy religious stuff, but they do want to honour God.
Their lives may not look ‘good’ by churchy standards (this guy worked for Caesar!).
But God saw beyond the brokenness to the heart within him; a heart for God and people.
Not only does God see his ‘goodness’, God is pleased with his ‘goodness’.
In this story I see God’s love extended beyond our churchy boundaries.
God is working to bring them to Jesus too, and wants us to help him do this.
He sets us up as Jesus followers to be available to these God-seekers, God-servers.
Who are the ‘good people’ that we will encounter today, that God is sending to us?
Will we see them as God sees them, or will we look down on their non-churchy lives?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the non-churchy people that I know who inspire me to love God and people more. Forgive me for thinking that my churchiness makes me more than them.
A sign or characteristic of a person whose heart is after God: “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ” Cornelius’ heart for the poor through his prayers and giving was noticed by all and God. Cornelius would be used also to ‘open’ Peter’s eyes and further the church to recognize the need to reach out beyond our circles especially. People respond when you genuinely care and help out. It sends a clear message of love and hope. It is the best way to communicate the gospel – our prayers and what we do – not necessarily what we say. Lord help me to act and act on love for anyone -help me to be receptive to your leading.
I’ve often wondered what would happen to good people who aren’t believers. Never thought that God’s spirit is at work in them as well. We, as Jesus Followers, need to continue to plant the seed into people’s hearts, so that one day, they may also become Jesus followers. Lord, I pray that your Spirit will continue to work in our hearts and the hearts of good people, so that they may come to know you as their personal Lord and Saviour.
God at work through His people without bounds. He knows our name and shows how we ought to live. God works Hus will through all kinds of people but do I have open eyes to see God at work also through others – those not in my comfort zone? God works in mysterious ways. I need to be an instrument of His peace to all I meet and greet for I can not read their hearts but God can.
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
Lets all sing, I have a Father
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go