Peter - and the Paradigm Shift: Part 1 (Post 18)

One of the most remarkable stories in all of scripture is recorded in Acts 10 - 11.  It is revolutionary.  It presents a paradigm shift of cosmic proportions.  I pray that familiarity with the story will not blind us to the miraculous event that took place in the hearts of two men ... indeed, two cultures.  Let's plan to spend some time here.  Today ...

Read Acts 10: 1 - 8

Caesarea - built on the Mediterranean Sea by Herod the Great in 22 BC.  From the ruins it is not hard to see and imagine the vibrant center of Roman culture that existed in the first century.  The city boasted a beautiful arena and a large, active theater.  Herod built the first ever artificial harbor here and Caesarea became a major seaport on the Mediterranean.  Herod also built his summer palace here. Caesarea was the capital of the Roman government in Palestine and was named n honor of Caesar Augustus.  And Cornelius was stationed in this important city.  He was an important man - a soldier - a commander - in charge of 100.   I wonder if he ever went to the arena to enjoy whatever games or entertainment was provided.  I wonder if his regiment was ever stationed there.  We can't know.  But we can know that this was his city - his station.  And we can know that Cornelius was not a Jew.  We have no indication that he was a proselyte Jew either.  He was a Roman man - a good man - but a Roman man.  

Some observations from these verses:

First, God makes Himself known to all who want to know Him.  Paul reminds us of this fact when he writes to the Romans in Romans 1:19 - 20

"... since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

This passage gives us confirmation that when a heart is God-seeking, God sends a messenger.  There is not a standard operating procedure with God.  His methods of communication with those seeking and honoring Him is as varied as creation itself.  Sometimes, just sometimes, we get the privilege of participating in God's message.  Obviously, we can decline - it's not convenient, I don't have time, I'm not comfortable, someone else is better equipped - yada, yada, yada.  And when we do, the loss is ours.  God will provide a messenger for a heart seeking Him.  So next time God taps your shoulder with an opportunity - don't decline.  With Cornelius?  God first sent an angel in a vision.  

Second, good people come in all shapes and sizes and cultures and religions.  Cornelius was a devout man. He feared God.  He prayed.  He led his household well.  He helped those in need.  He was a good man. Have you ever been tempted to doubt someone's authenticity or devotion to 'goodness' because they were so different from you?  This encounter with God should be a huge wake-up call for us when faced with that temptation!

Third, when God sends you a message ... respond!  Verse 7 tells us "As soon as the angel left ...", Cornelius acted.  He didn't seem to wait and weigh the pros and cons of the action.  He was not foolish.  He sent trusted people to carry out the summons ... but he sent them immediately.  Has God been showing you something to "do" lately?  Why are you waiting?  Are you waiting for it to "make sense" to you?  God told this Roman commander to send for a Jew.  So he did.

Lastly, the angel told Cornelius that his generosity to the poor had been received by God as an offering to God!  Don't miss that phrase!  At its core - his help to those in need was an offering to God.  Did the recipient benefit?  Of course.  Did Cornelius probably feel good about the gift?  I would think so.  But the beauty of the benevolence was that it was as if it was laid on an altar in worship to God.

I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25: 34 - 40

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison and you visited me.'

 Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

 And the King will say, 'I tell you thee truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

An offering to God ...