Reaching Out to Others
From: Larry Dixon
“And on the next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day, he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends…And so I sent to you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord…Acts 10:23a-24, 33.”
God prepared Peter in an unusual way for his encounter with Cornelius and the other Gentiles present in his home. Peter received a vision from God in which he saw various kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds being let down by the four corners of a huge sheet. A voice in the vision told Peter to kill and eat what he saw, even though eating those animals was against Jewish food laws. It was time for Peter to learn that the gospel was for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.
What was unusual about Peter and the other Jewish Christians visiting in Cornelius’ home was the fact that they had to let go of their age-old prejudice against Gentiles. The audience that Peter addressed in Cornelius’ home, according to verse 33, was spiritually ready and receptive. Notice that Cornelius had gathered his friends and family in anticipation of Peter’s message.
Why does a family need to hear about Jesus if they are good, decent people and they help the less fortunate as much as possible? Like Cornelius’ family, they may be devout, but they need to be saved. There are barriers that might hinder Christian families today from reaching out to their neighbors with God’s message of salvation: like fear of involvement; ethnic differences; lifestyle differences. What about the prejudice against Arabs/Muslims that are continuing to impact our nation during this time of war against terrorism.
Please notice that the people Cornelius called together to hear Peter’s presentation were his relatives and close friends. Peter’s vision opened his mind to the necessity of sharing the gospel with every person regardless of background. Soon, he would be tested, for Cornelius had gathered a diverse group of friends and relatives to hear Peter’s message. Peter set the example of encouraging Christians to gather together regardless of circumstances and share the gospel with everyone.
With which friends and family members do we need to get together and share the good news of the gospel? What excuses do we have for waiting to gather them around us? What approach can we take to sharing the gospel with at least one friend or family member this week? God bless you, my friend, this day to be used mightily for His glory as you reach to others with the Good News!!!