Two men, thirty miles apart, called by name
I have often been aware of meeting someone or connecting with someone who seems to have been brought into ‘my orbit’ or linked with our family, at just the right time. The timing of the meeting or the connection, just seems to happen at the most perfect time. This feels to be a ‘God thing.’ It just feels to be right somehow- the perfect timing and the most supportive and significant of meetings and connections. As I read in Acts 10 there is one such God meeting where God speaks to two individuals, who would have no obvious connection, opposites in so many ways, in two unique ways, at a precise time, calling each by name and bringing them together, with the most significant consequences for the early church.
Cornelius is a Gentile, from Caesarea, the Roman city on the shores of the Mediterranean in Judea, and the headquarters of the Roman governor of the province of Judea. “There was a man in Caesarea by the name of Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He was a deeply religious man who reverenced God, as did all his household. He made many charitable gifts to the people and was a real man of prayer. About three o’clock one afternoon he saw perfectly clearly in a dream an angel of God coming into his room, approaching him, and saying, “Cornelius!” Acts 10 v 2 JBP God was getting his attention and giving clear, exact instructions.
Simon Peter is a Jew, a Jesus disciple, and an apostle. Peter was in Joppa staying with “Simon the tanner, whose house was by the sea.” and Cornelius was instructed to send for him, and to invite him to come to Caesarea. At the exact time that Cornelius had dispatched his men to search out Peter, God spoke to Peter in a vision. Peter’s vision was of a sheet being lowered down to him, full of animals and creatures that were not permitted to be eaten as they were considered unclean. The word to Peter was. “Get up Peter. Kill and eat.” “While Peter was still thinking about this confusing vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So, get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Simon invited his gentile visitors in, offering overnight hospitality, and then travelled with them the following day to Caesarea. The Spirit’s instructions were clear and despite any reservations about the Jew/Gentile prohibitions, Peter went with them.
The outcome of this amazing God choreography was that Peter preached Jesus to Cornelius and those gathered with him heard the Jesus message. Cornelius and his household became believers, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized as Gentile converts. Peter realized that God was calling Gentiles into His kingdom on an equal footing with Jewish believers. There was no difference, no discrimination or partiality. Noone is unclean or excluded but all are welcomed and fully accepted into the Jesus family. This was a major turning point for the young church.
Two men were brought together to further God’s purposes on that day.
“I think angels watched that house that night, with the despised tanner a fellow-disciple, the great apostle, and the three Gentiles as they lodged there.” (Morgan)
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60 v 13
Jesus also promised, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. John 12 v 32
PRAY
For family and friends who do not know Jesus that God may place someone in their orbit who will influence and attract them towards Jesus.
Be thankful for our Christian friends and influencers.