THE RESURRECTED LIFE -- Day 36

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Day 36:  Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10)

Cornelius believed in the God of Israel even though he was a Gentile centurion.  He was a devout man who not only believed in God but acted on his faith in the things he did.  Cornelius was a compassionate man who always was compelled by his heart to give money to the poor, especially to the Jewish people.  And prayer occurred constantly throughout his day as he depended on and called out to Israel’s God.  He knew that the gods of his people were not THE God!  Now this same God had taken notice of his faith and sent an angel who told Cornelius to send for a man named Peter.

Peter’s recent vision allowed him to believe the men who now stood at his gate, beckoning him to come down and go with them to Cornelius.  God had shown him that He had no partiality to Peter and his people.  From now on all people would have an opportunity to be a child of God.  God told him through the vision that He had cleansed all people.  Cornelius and his people could never again be considered unclean.  Peter left with the men and went straight to Caesarea where Cornelius lived.

Arriving at Cornelius’ home Peter found that many people had gathered, relatives and friends of Cornelius.  What was God’s plan for Cornelius, Peter wondered?  When Cornelius described how he had come to seek Peter out, Peter could see the hand of God at work.  Now, Cornelius anxiously awaited a word from Peter.

Speaking of God’s impartiality, Peter began to lay out the entire plan of God’s salvation:  belief, reverence, and fear followed by a life of godly works that flow from that belief.  He spoke of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and the peace that is found in a relationship with Him.  Then, as he continued, God’s Holy Spirit descended upon all who were in the room.  Cornelius, all of his family, and the friends he had invited were saved, filled with the Spirit, and baptized.  Cornelius’ faith in the God of the Jews had now become complete as he trusted in Christ, the King of the Jews.  That day Jesus became his Lord and Savior.

Are you living a religious life that includes aspects of faith and good deeds, but living it without Jesus being the Lord and Ruler of your life?

THE RESURRECTED LIFE -- Day 32

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Day 32:  Stephen, Full of Faith (Acts 6-7)

The ministry of the early church was increasing.  The original disciples were dedicating themselves to prayer and the study and teaching of the Word.   There arose a need for men to take food to some neglected widows, so the original disciples charged the other followers of Christ to choose seven dedicated men for this ministry task.

Stephen, being found to be full of faith, was chosen as part of this group of seven.   A good reputation and being full of the Spirit and wisdom were the top requirements for this ministry.  Now in Stephen’s case, the power of the Spirit was quite evident because he had been performing many great miracles and signs among the people he came in contact with.  But as is often the case, jealous men began to rise up against Stephen and tell lies about him, saying that he had spoken blasphemies against Moses and God.  So vicious were the lies that the men brought him and his case before the Council.

With power and great wisdom, and even greater diplomacy, Stephen stood before the Council and told them, in elaborate detail, the story of God and His people, Israel.  He spoke clearly of Israel’s continued disobedience to God’s commands.  Then he compared the Council and the accusers to their disobedient forefathers, reminding them how they themselves had not kept and obeyed the Word.

Incensed by Stephen’s accusations (that were true), these men cried out in anger.  Covering their ears so that they would have to listen to no more, they chased Stephen out of the city, and then stoned him to death.  The conviction of the Spirit in their thoughts and in their hearts was completely ignored by the men who would have rather silenced the truth instead of being transformed by it.  On the other hand, Stephen was a transformed man, with Jesus’ resurrection in his soul, who was willing to put his life in jeopardy for the truth.  He boldly spoke out what he knew would not be received, but was truth nonetheless.

Have you allowed your heart to be resurrected in truth?  Are you more like the men who refused to listen to the truth about their hearts and true change?  Can others see the Spirit’s power and wisdom at work in you?

THE RESURRECTED LIFE -- Day 23

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Day 23:  John the Baptist (Matthew 11: 1-6)

He came into the world in no insignificant or ordinary way.  His birth and name were foretold by an angel to his father, who then became mute until he arrived.  Both of his parents were beyond the normal childbearing years.  He had been filled with the Spirit of God before he even breathed his first breath.  He was given a clearly spelled-out assignment before he was conceived. He would be the forerunner of the Messiah, bringing a message to his people, a message of repentance of sin. Yes, his life had been extraordinary, and his call precise.  He would make ready a people prepared for the Lord’s coming.

Growing up, he knew his close relative, Jesus, was special.  How many times had he heard the stories of how their births were so similar, uncannily so?  Yet he hadn’t put it all together that Jesus was the One he was preparing the way for. (John 1:31, 33)  When the time came, he diligently set out to fulfill his special calling.

His message of repentance was well-received, though it was a brand new concept for his people.  Until then, they only knew they were to offer sacrifices for the sin they committed.  Never before had they been taught to turn from their sin.  But the message of repentance was necessary to prepare their hearts for the message of salvation.  The crowds continued to gather, to hear, and be baptized.  Some even thought that John might be the Christ.

On that particular day another crowd from Bethany joined John at the Jordan River.  When he looked beyond the olive trees, he saw Him coming—Jesus!  When He arrived at the river’s edge and revealed why He came, John was incredulous.  How could he baptize Him?  Yet the Spirit in him leaped, and he knew this was the Christ.  Understanding the requirement of the moment, John obeyed.  God confirmed in his spirit what he already knew.  “This is My Beloved Son!”

Yet John, months later, faltered in his faith.  Upon hearing of the works of Jesus, he sent his disciples to inquire if He was the Expected One, or should they look on.  Are you faltering in your faith?  Has your faith turned to doubt?  Try revisiting in your mind the day of your salvation.