THE . KING’ S BUSINESS
1139
Wednesday, December so. Acts 10 : 24 - 26 .
that lesson? Many in the church and even many ministers have not. There are few lessons that need more than this to be learned by the average Christian today. Peter came just as soon as he was called; and he came without talking back. Have we, too, learned the wisdom o f coming at once when God calls us, and that without any attempt to talk back to God and reason with Him to show Him that He is wrong? Cornelius goes over the familiar story (See notes on verses 1 to 7). He emphasizes the fact that it was while he was praying that the heavenly visitant came. It is when we are praying that heavenly visitants are most likely to come (cf. Dan. 9:21; Luke 1:10, 11; 3:21, 22; 9:20). It is a won derful thiijg to have God say to us what He said to Cornelius, “ Thy prayer is heard,” yet God often says it to those who are absolutely, surrendered to His will and listening for His voice. It is evident from the context that what Cornelius had been praying for was light, and his prayer was answered by sending him the one who should bring him the light and should de clare to him the saving truth (cf. ch. 11:13, 14). Not only Cornelius’ prayers but his alms were remembered before God. Though an angel had come to Cornelius, the angel could not tell the way o f salvation; that was reserved for a man to do. Therefore the angel told him where to send to find the man that would show him the way o f life. Cornelius acted with promptness: he sent immediately for the man with the message. How unlike many today who know they need a message o f salvation and know also who can tell it to them, and intend some day to send for him, but do not act at once. There is profound sug gestiveness in the statement o f Cornelius regarding himself and his friends, “we are all here present in the sight o f God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee o f the Lord. ’ The things to be especially noted in this statement are: ( 1 ) To get into the presence, not merely o f the man who is speaking as God’s mes senger, but unto the presence o f God Him-""
Cornelius was eagerly waiting for the message that should bring l(im salvation (cf. Acts 11:14). He calculated carefully when his messengers would get back with Peter, and was waiting when they arrived. He wished all whom he loved and all whom he could influence to learn it with him; so he gathered together his “kinsmen” and “near friends” that they might hear to gether with him these extremely important words that had power to save. How Cor nelius puts to shame the indifference o f 'many o f us today. While Cornelius was a man worthy o f study and in many re spects worthy o f imitation; he had much to learn. He thought it was right to wor ship men who were especially used o f God, and he fell down to worship Peter. There are not a few today who are called Chris tians who are guilty o f a folly very closely akin to that o f Cornelius. I f any man is greatly used o f God to their Spiritual wel fare they are ready to worship him. Not for one moment will Peter accept that which belongs to God alone. With fear and trembling he raises up the prostrate Cornelius, saying, “ Stand up, I myself also am a man.” There have been many who have claimed to be successors o f Peter who have been willing to accept for them selves the worship which Peter refused. But not only have the Popes been guilty o f this folly and sin, but many Protestant ministers have been willing to accept what very nearly approaches to worship. Our Lord Jesus accepted for Himself the wor ship at the thought o f receiving which Peter was horror struck (Matt. 28:9; Luke 24:52; Matt. 13:43; John 20:28, 29). That fact shows clearly and conclusively that the Lord claimed Deity for Himself (cf. 1 John'5:23). Thursday, December 2 1 . Acts 10 : 27 - 33 . God had taught Peter a great lesson, viz., not to call any man common or unclean. Not only had God taught the lesson, hut Peter had learned it. Have we, too, learned
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker