It wasn’t a lengthy phrase.
But, boy, did it leave a lingering image in my mind.
I’m talking about Acts 10:4.
An angel had been sent from God to a godly Roman military commander named Cornelius. What would happen subsequently set the stage for the launch of Christian ministry to the Gentiles.
But a triggering event was first needed to dramatically change the attitude of the born-and-bred Jew named Peter who — although a sold-out believer of Jesus — was still cold to the idea of non-Jews becoming Christians.
Peter’s transformation through Acts 10 and all that God did to prompt him toward ethnic inclusiveness is another story, of course, And I encourage you to make sure you read that chapter in your own Bible or by clicking Tuesday’s installment of the online Bible available by clicking on the One-Year Bible link box to the right of this devotion.
My focus today is on something the angel said to Cornelius, a short statement that provides a powerful lesson on Christian generosity.
Here is what the angel said to Cornelius :
“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
Hmmmm………….
We can understand the prayers floating up to God part. After all, they are the utterances of our spirits, via the Holy Spirit, to the throneroom of God.
But our gifts to the poor? Those are considered in the same breath as our prayers?
Wow.
Everybody who claims to have a relationship with God is engaged in prayer to some extent. Or they should be.
Some even pray abundantly, particularly when times are tough in their lives.
But does everybody “give generously to those in need” as did Cornelius?
Do you?
Aren’t we more prone to pray generously because of our needs than we are to give generously because of others’ needs?
God used Cornelius in an amazing way to help lay the foundation for ministry to the Gentiles. That wouldn’t have happened had God not seen Cornelius’ generosity toward those in need.
God wants to use us in wonderful ways to lay the foundation for ministry to those around us. Please allow God to see your generosity toward those in need who are in your circle of influence.
You’ll not only be helping people but you’ll also be giving God a form of worship that is SO endearing to His heart.
As always, I love you
Martin
