Throughout the book of Acts there is a constant outward movement of the Holy Spirit. He is constantly pouring over boundaries, and the radius of the Kingdom is increasing. We come today to the next big boundary to be crossed. To the Jews, Cornelius represented not only a gentile pagan but, as a Roman soldier and officer, he was the arch-enemy and oppressor of the Jewish people. The Jews felt that the Romans had defiled the land by their presence there and thus were under God’s curse. Cornelius was a God-fearing man, and he personally was respected by the Jews. However, he was still considered ‘unclean’ and was unable to become a member of the local synagogue. God, however, was going to admit Cornelius to his Kingdom. The way these events unfold makes it clear that God was intending to show Peter and the church something. The lesson is summarised by Peter in 10:34-35: “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Do you ever have the feeling that God loves some other person more than you? It isn’t true. God loves all of his children and could not love them more or less. He wants to bless you as much as he wants to bless the most seemingly godly person in the world. The difference between people, in this respect, is only our willingness to respond and receive from God. Cornelius’ household was blessed that day because Cornelius sought the God who was seeking him. It can be the same with you.
Ask God to draw you closer to him.
Read Acts 10
