Buzzing with Excitement!
Opening Prayer
Lord, it is amazing that I can know You, the Lord and King of all! I’m grateful and humbled by that privilege.
Read Acts 10:23-33
[23] Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. [24] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” [27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” [30] Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. [32] Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What "barrier" did Peter have to overcome to speak here?It’s been four whole days since the angel appeared to Cornelius (30); plenty of time to go over and over what had happened and what had been said to him (30-32). Such excitement; such anticipation! God had heard him, God had seen his good works and now…? Cornelius was so excited and sure that God had good things in store, he wanted all those close to him to come and share whatever God was going to say through Peter. Meanwhile, Peter has been pondering his vision and traveled for a day to meet Cornelius. Perhaps Peter was taken aback by the number of people present. His first reaction shows what a big deal it was for a Jew to be with Gentiles and yet, because the Lord has prepared him, he freely crosses the threshold, not yet sure what is required of him (24-29). Peter is now ready to give, and his audience to receive, God’s message (33). And it will surely be a momentous occasion—as we’ll see tomorrow.
Apply
Are there any “barriers” that hinder you from sharing the Gospel? If so, how can you overcome them?
Closing prayer
Thank the Lord for the Bible, for the good news in it and ask for a greater sense of expectation as you read it regularly.
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