Last winter while changing my car’s wiper blades, I made the mistake of accidentally releasing the wiper arm that had tension on it from the mechanical spring. The wiper arm snapped back, hitting my windshield and causing a tiny crack. Unfortunately, that small crack expanded over time, eventually spanning the entire windshield.
Early in the book of Acts, we meet two Gentile converts, Nicolas and the Ethiopian eunuch. These men were a bit like that small crack on my windshield, only in a good way. And in chapter 10, we see the gospel expand, beginning to spread to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, is referred to as “devout and God-fearing,” generous and prayerful (v. 2). In a vision, an angel confirms that God had honored his generosity and prayers. Cornelius was to send for Simon (called Peter) to come visit him. Shortly before, God had spoken to Peter through a vision as well. He was told, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15). This vision referred to more than animals. It referred to all people.
After the vision, Peter was summoned to Caesarea to meet with Cornelius. After entering his home, Peter listened to his testimony. In response, Peter began sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. While he was still speaking, “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished to see the gift of the Holy Spirit pouring out on Gentiles. They heard them speaking in tongues and praising God (vv. 44–46). This story assures us that God doesn’t work in a vacuum. If He is working in your heart to do something for Him, He is probably working in another’s heart to help, direct, support, guide, or respond.
Go Deeper
What is God prompting you to do? Who is God directing you to help or support? What are you waiting for?
Pray with Us
King Jesus, please convict us of where we have been unwilling to follow Your prompting. Give us a courageous heart for reaching the lost. Remind us that we are all precious in Your sight.
God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.Acts 10:34–35
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