God's Direct Message

Acts 10:1-6 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” 4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
 
CORNELIUS is the kind of person we’d like to call, “friend.” Cornelius was a leader of men. He commanded 600 Roman soldiers. Most importantly he and all his family were devout and God-fearing.
   The general religion in Rome was the worship of many gods. So it’s important to understand God had worked in Cornelius’ life to teach him about the LORD God – Yahweh. He apparently followed the law of Moses and worshiped regularly in a synagogue. A devout man is devoted to listening to and obeying God. He strives to do all the right things. He prays regularly and gives generously to care for people.
   God had prepared Cornelius and his family to have a special role in his plan to save the world. You could say this Roman leader and his family are an illustration of God’s work to prepare the Jews for the Messiah. Cornelius learned of God. He obeyed God. But Cornelius still needed a Savior. As we know, our works will not save us.   
   So God sends a messenger to this chosen devout man. It’s three in the afternoon, the time for Jews to pray. We note this is the time God used Peter and John to heal a lame man in the temple (Acts 3:1). A time of prayer is a good time to hear from God.
   Cornelius’ vision is very distinct. The Bible tells of many such meetings between angels and people. The angels are very real and clear. They do not come in a ghostly apparition but with distinct characteristics. Cornelius directly responds, “What is it, Lord?” He doesn’t know yet the messenger is from God. But when he addresses the angel, “Lord.” he indicates he is ready to listen and do as the angel commands. God has prepared the field for harvest.
   Cornelius has received his instructions. And he obeys:
Acts 10:7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
   Cornelius believed in God. And he believed God. He followed the law. His family and some of his soldiers were also devoted to God. But this was not enough. God has prepared this family for eternal salvation. The LORD graciously came to Cornelius to welcome him into a saving faith in Jesus. It is not enough to be devoted to God in the law. We must be devoted to the Son of God by faith.