In our study of Acts 10 we discovered how to have an encounter with the living God. Prayer is a pre-requisite because only God can make such an encounter happen. What He requires of us is that we make ourselves available to Him to work in and through us. Then we must expect God to do what He promises to do.
Peter was reluctant at first to expect anything good out of what he was told in the vision he had. After the Holy Spirit nudged him on he realized “God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (v. 34-35). Peter went and proclaimed God’s message with power and conviction.
Cornelius demonstrated great faith and expectation. When instructed by the angel he not only sent for Peter, he invited his relatives and close friends (v. 24). In his explanation to Peter of why he sent for him, he concluded by saying, “So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us” (vs32-33). This is music to a pastor’s heart.
Every pastor would be thrilled if everyone who came to church on Sunday came with this prayer on their heart - “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” The challenge for the pastor would be to share something he had received from the Lord. The spirit of expectation would be so high, something significant would be sure to happen - God’s people would have an encounter with the Living God.
