Come into his presence and listen
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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We are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us (Acts 10:33b).
Read Acts 10:17–33
Yesterday we saw the Holy Spirit getting Peter ready to bring the gospel into a Gentile’s home. However, the Holy Spirit was already at work in Cornelius back in verse 2. As we start today’s passage, the men who Cornelius had sent (following his encounter with the angel of the Lord) arrive, as Peter is pondering his vision. Cornelius had responded to the Holy Spirit by being devout and giving generously. He responded to his encounter with God by sending the men to Peter. How will he respond when he hears the gospel?
Peter arrives and enters Cornelius’ house, showing that the repeated vision had made an impact on the apostle. He discovers not only that Cornelius and his household are waiting for him, but that the centurion has invited family and friends to be there. For Cornelius seeking the Lord was not a solo adventure, rather it was something to share with those around him. I get the feeling that Peter was quite surprised at the size of the crowd of Gentiles waiting to hear from him.
As a pastor, I am blessed to have many in my congregation who respond like Cornelius does in verse 33. We should be coming to our time of worship acknowledging that we are in God’s presence, eager to hear what the Lord has commanded the preacher (or lay reader) to tell us. Encourage your pastor or lay reader by letting them know of your eagerness to hear the Lord through them.
Perhaps like Cornelius we too could invite family and friends to come with us?
O Lord almighty, increase my desire to enter into your presence so that I may hear your word, that I may sing your praises and that I might enjoy the fellowship of fellow believers. Give me the courage and the words I need to invite others to come with me. I need your help to do this. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Glenn is the Pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and also looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Karen and he have been married since 1985 and have two grown sons – and have recently become grandparents.
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