Good morning, nice people.
It’s looking to be a very full day—going a variety of different directions. Thankfully, it looks like the rain has backed off. I would not want that happening when I haul some furniture, etc., from Wilson’s place.
Looking at the clock, I guess I’d better get moving. They want stuff out of there by 10am. Whew!
Blessings on your day.
Love. Dad/Ray.
By standards of Jewish tradition, Cornelius was an unclean outsider. Even Peter, the great spokesperson for the early Church, had to be given some strong influence to help change his prejudiced traditional thinking. God, of course, is not bound by standards and traditions generated and imposed by men (religion). In fact, the divine motive embedded in the Gospel was that ALL may be saved—not just Jews. This was clearly a pill hard for Peter to swallow. (Hey, Peter, remember what you were inspired to say to the Sanhedrin back in Acts 4:12?) An overview of this account indicates that Cornelius needed Peter, and Peter needed Cornelius. Both were men of faith, but both were handicapped by limited revelation.
The Sovereign Lord who sees and monitors everyone everywhere all the time saw in Cornelius a set of godly qualities that warranted His special attention and revelation. In his own way, he showed evidence of a HEART AFTER GOD. I want to take time to note those qualities. I have five to mention.
There is no evidence that Cornelius was receiving special angelic visitations on a regular basis, but by being faithful in these routine qualities of godliness, he was ready at the right time to receive expanded special revelation. It was all part of the wonderful unfolding plan of God for his life.
I think it would be a good idea for us all to embrace these same qualities? If so, we can be assured of fitting in with God’s plans and being a recipient of His blessings and ongoing revelation. What an adventure!