And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (Acts 10:24-27)
Cornelius wasn’t selfish about the things of God. He was not going to keep the Good News a secret. He wanted everyone connected to him to receive. Sometimes Christians can be a little selfish about the things of God. We want Him to give us revelations that no one else has. We want God to bless us individually, but Cornelius wanted everyone in his village to be impacted. He had a strong desire for everyone to be changed by the message of Jesus.
Cornelius was so ready for the message of salvation that he fell at Peter’s feet and worshiped him. Of course, Peter told him that he was just a man with a message, but can’t you see the passion Cornelius had to receive the Word of the Lord?
When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house and looked around the room, he saw everyone related to Cornelius - his mama, daddy, sister, brother, cousins, uncles, aunts – everybody with any relationship to him at all. Besides that, Peter saw that Cornelius had all his buddies gathered there to receive as well.
They were all sitting there staring at Peter, hungry and waiting for the message that Cornelius had promised them. They came because of Cornelius’ passion; they stayed because they wanted to receive from God.
Practical Application – Are you passionate about the message of the Gospel? Are you excited to share what God has done for you through your church? Make a point this week to tell someone how God has ministered to you and invite them to come to church with you.
Matthew 9:35; Mark 6:6