Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. (Acts 10:32-33)
In response to Peter’s questions about why God sent him to minister to Cornelius, the Gentile told Peter that God directed him to find the apostle and hear what he had to say. When God spoke to Cornelius, he acted immediately. He wasn’t even saved yet, but he didn’t wait until everything looked right or when it was convenient; he followed God and obeyed God’s directions instantly.
Many Christians want to hear God’s voice, but they aren’t willing to obey the moment that God tells them to do something. That's not wanting to hear God; that's wanting to have a pleasant spiritual experience that doesn't change anything in your life.
Cornelius continued, saying, “We are all here to hear what God is saying through you.”
They were hungry to hear and wanted to be quick to obey whatever God would say through His anointed vessel. Peter had a captive audience, intent on hearing everything God had to say.
Do we act like that when we come to church? Are we hungry to hear and quick to obey what God will say through His anointed vessel?
Being ready to hear and receptive to God’s Word is imperative to following God’s will for your life.
Practical Application – When you go to church this week, take a moment to say, “God, I’m here to hear and ready to receive.” When you have an attitude of readiness to receive, you will get more out of the message.
Matthew 11:15; Mark 7:16