Learning How To Pray Pt. 30 Pray Because God Is Still At Work!
The prayer and godliness of a Gentile soldier.
Acts 10:1,2 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2) A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
This is a prayer that is remarkable in many ways. Cornelius was a centurion which means he was in charge of 100 Roman soldiers attached to the Italian cohort, consisting of 555 foot soldiers and 66 cavalry.
Caesarea was the home of the Roman procurator and the Italian cohort were considered the most loyal troops and best protectors of a Roman ruler.
Thus, Luke's details let us know that Cornelius was an excellent and trusted military leader who helped supply protection for the procurator.
Luke also tells us four things that demonstrate Cornelius was a morally good man. First, he was "devout" which means having a godly, reverent character.
Second, he "feared God" with such zeal that those in his own home also feared God. The words "feared God" normally refer to one who was acquainted with the true God, by means of His word and laws. One who respected these laws, and would not dare to offend his Maker and his Judge.
It is likely that Cornelius learned to be a God fearer from interacting with devout Jews, who told him about God and His holy ways. He took care to instruct his family in the knowledge that he had received, and to establish the worship of God in his house, as he understood it.
Third, he "gave much alms" having compassion for the poor and helping to supply their needs. His love for God led him to love men, and this love proved his sincerity by his many generous acts of charity.
Fourth, he constantly "prayed to God." Cornelius felt himself a dependent creature. He knew he had no good but what he had received, and considered God to be the source of all his blessings. He prayed to God always, being ever in the spirit of prayer. What an excellent character Luke describes for us!
Why does this matter to us? Because up to this point, the gospel was going primarily to the Jews and Cornelius was a Gentile. Many Jews had an intense distrust and prejudice against Gentiles, calling them names like "dogs."
Most Gentiles were ignorant of God and followed the their fleshly lusts.
Romans 1:18-25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Most Jews could not conceive that Jehovah would permit Gentiles to be a part of His kingdom. They ignored the powerful testimony of God that is ingrained into all creation. After all, Gentiles changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped man made idols instead of the One, True God of heaven.
They worshipped stone and metal idols shaped like people, birds, animals and snakes and God gave them up to spiritual uncleanness.
Somehow, Cornelius was not carried away with Greco-Roman myths or trapped in pagan idolatry. He managed to worship God without any mixture of paganism. He knew that any good he had done was because God was good to him.
Cornelius' prayer was heard and answered.
Acts 10:3-6 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4) And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5) And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6) He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
God sent an angel to speak to Cornelius and in a vision, the centurion saw and heard the angel speak. The ninth hour of the day would be about 3 P.M. and corresponded with the Jewish public prayer times.
This humble centurion must have been astonished when he saw a vision of this angel from God. Moreover, the angel directly addressed Cornelius by name, and this caused him to be afraid.
Even so, Cornelius responded by asking the angel why he was appearing to him. What a blessing it was when Cornelius heard that his constant prayers and compassionate deeds for the poor, were recognized by God.
The phrase "Come up for a memorial" seems connected with the sacrificial system of the Jews. Sincere prayers from humble people are highly regarded by God. They are said to ascend to Him, as the smoke and flame of the burnt-offering appeared to ascend to heaven as a sweet savour offering.
The angel's instruction for Cornelius were simple. He was to send some of his men to Joppa to bring back the Apostle Peter, who would tell Cornelius about repentant faith in Christ.
Acts 10:7,8 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8) And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
What was Cornelius' response to the heavenly vision? He immediately obeyed. He sent two of his trusted servants and one loyal soldier, to bring Peter to his home.
Thoughts to Ponder...
First, God is going to do a most remarkable thing in sending the gospel to Gentiles at the home of Cornelius.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Second, God will respond to those who sincerely seek Him. In the Old Testament, Ruth and Rahab are good examples of those who sincerely sought for the One, True God of heaven.
Third, the life of Cornelius demonstrated a love for God and a desire to serve Him.
Finally, when the prayers of Cornelius were answered in such tangible, dramatic fashion, he obeyed the instruction he was given.
Thus, when we share the gospel with people who do not know God, let us remember to trust God to do the work with His Word in their heart.
Let us not forget to be humble of heart and to live a godly life in an evil world, like Cornelius did.
When God gives us direction from our prayers or through His Word, let us follow Cornelius' example, and obey right away.
Bob
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