By Kay Meyer
Hearts Prepared by the Holy Spirit
Cornelius was a centurion in the Italian cohort (Acts 10). He was a devout man who feared
God, gave generously to those in need, and prayed continually. One day while
praying, an angel of God told him to send for Simon Peter in Joppa. The angel
told him to listen to what Peter had to say!
Cornelius selects two servants and a devout soldier
who was one of his attendants, tells them everything that had happened, and
sends them to summon Simon Peter to his home.
Just before the three men arrive, Peter is on the
rooftop praying. He sees heaven open and something like a large sheet being let
down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed
animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice
told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter relied. “I
have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” This was repeated two more times.
The Lord was revealing to Peter that the message of salvation was not just for
the Jewish people. It is for all people!
While Peter was trying to understand what this
meant, the three men arrive and ask if Peter is staying there. Peter is on the
rooftop reflecting on the vision when they arrive. The Spirit said to him, “Behold,
these men are looking for you. But go downstairs, and accompany them without
misgivings; for I have sent them Myself (Acts
10:19b).”
The three men tell Peter, “Cornelius, a centurion,
was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and
hear a message from you.” Peter gives them housing for the night and then goes
with them the following day (Acts
In the meantime, Cornelius calls together his
relatives and close friends (Acts
And opening his mouth, Peter said, “I now realize
how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every
nation who fear him and do what is right.” Then he shared the Gospel. He told
those gathered together about Jesus of Nazareth. He explains that Jesus was put
him to death on a cross. And that God raised Him up on the third day, and
granted that He should become visible to witnesses who were chosen beforehand
by God. He explained that they had eaten and drank with Jesus after He arose
from the dead and that he and others were eyewitnesses of the resurrection (Acts
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy
Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. Those who came
with Peter were amazed because the Holy Spirit was poured out also upon the
Gentiles, for they were exalting God and speaking in other languages. Then
Peter said, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They
have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So Peter ordered them to be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Peter realizes the Gospel is not just for the Jews,
but also for the Gentiles! That’s true and its good news! But there is more we
need to think about related to this story from God’s word.
Cornelius was not a Christian when he sent
for Peter! Yes, he was a godly man, but he had not yet heard the complete
Gospel message of salvation when this story occurred. Yet, understanding that
God was going to speak to him through Simon Peter, this unsaved man calls his family and friends together to hear the
Gospel! The Holy Spirit had prepared his heart! He was ready to hear the
message! He was so ready that he wanted his relatives and close friends to hear
the message, too! The Holy Spirit had also prepared their hearts! Evangelism is
a family & friendship affair!
In a recent Mission
America newsletter it stated that 85% of those who become followers of
Jesus make that commitment as a result of a friend, family member, or colleague
who shares the Gospel. Are you sharing God’s love within your home and the home
of those you care about? If not, ask the Lord for forgiveness and begin anew!
Have you ever had a divine appointment like Simon
Peter did in the above Bible story?
Has God ever given you an opportunity to share the Gospel message about Jesus
Christ with a family member or friend who was anxious to hear the message? Even today hearts are being prepared
by the Holy Spirit! Yes, the harvest is plentiful! People who do not know
Christ as their Savior and Lord are praying to God! They may be righteous
people, like Cornelius. Or they might be terrible sinners who are heavy laden
with guilt and despair. Everyone needs to hear the Good News that Jesus suffered
and died for their sins. And that there is forgiveness through Christ! Your
sins and my sins have been washed away by the blood of the Lamb! What wonderful
news we have to share!
Join me in praying that God would set up divine appointments
for you! And for me! Salvation is found
in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which
we must be saved (Acts
Kay L. Meyer
is the founder and president of Family Shield Ministries, Inc. and host of its
weekly radio program. The program is heard each Saturday at