Slices
Prepare
Making an appointment can be complicated. You call a number, transfer to someone else and finally get the right person. Then you look for a time slot. What if God takes the responsibility for every evangelistic appointment?
Bible passage
Peter at Cornelius’ house
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: ‘You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?’
30 Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, “Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.” 33 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.’
Explore
In the previous two sections, we have seen God preparing Cornelius and Peter. Now we see everything coming together. Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius, where he found a ready- made audience to hear what he had to say to them. It was only ready-made from Peter’s perspective. Actually, it was a God- made audience.
God’s plan is for the message of the good news of Jesus Christ to be taken to the ends of the earth. That message – that Jesus was crucified, raised to life and ready to save anyone who will trust in him – is a message that God intends to travel. Indeed, we should trust God to make the travel arrangements for his message. What if God does all the work to set up divine appointments for his people to meet others and share what they need to hear? Does that not motivate us to look out for those opportunities in our daily lives?
Respond
We may not have visions of sheets and voices from heaven, but we still have a God who wants this great message shared with all households. Pray for God to give you eyes to see his divine appointments for you in the coming days.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Amos 3,4; Psalms 140,141
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the SU Cymru team, Rhian (new team leader), Jack, Keefe and Sian as they support churches, Faith Guides and Local Mission Partners. Give thanks for all the money raised through Keefe’s fundraising bike challenge to support the work of SU Cymru.
