EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
10th Feb 2021
Expect the unexpected, “God’s suddenlies” and be ready to move obediently to do what He tells you. Don’t expect to be comfortable, but if God’s Spirit asks you to step out in obedience, He will already have prepared everything, and He will accomplish what He purposes.
In Acts 10 we have the wonderful account of two men from very different backgrounds both experiencing the “suddenly of God”. Both will be changed and both will face choices that will appear to challenge their world views - but God knows what He is doing.
2 Chronicles 16:9 in the Message says, “God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him.” He saw Cornelius, a Roman Centurion who was seeking to know God. He is described as God fearing, generous in giving to the poor and a man who prayed. One afternoon he had a vision, saw an angel who called his name, and recognised that this was the Lord who he was seeking.
The angel acknowledged his generous acts had been seen by God, and instructed him to find Peter who would bring him a message from the God who he was seeking. He immediately followed the angelic instructions and sent his servants to find Peter while he waited with his family.
At the same moment God is confronting Peter with his prejudices and traditional attitudes as he is praying on the roof at Simon’s house in Joppa. Hungry and waiting for food he is on the roof and sees a vision of a sheet full of all sorts of unclean animals, and is instructed to “Kill and eat”, this happen three times. He refuses, but is rebuked by the Lord who says, “Don’t call anything I have made unclean.” While pondering this he is told that men have come with a request he must obey.
He would immediately recognise the visitors as Gentiles, but invites them in and the next day he goes to Cornelius’ house - a total mind change orchestrated by God. God wants all men to be saved. It is new territory for both men. Peter takes some believers from Joppa with him; Cornelius doesn’t know how to behave and tries to worship Peter!
Each explains what has happened and Peter is invited inside to meet those Cornelius has gathered to listen to a message from God, given through Peter’s mouth inspired by the Holy Spirit. Read the full account in Acts chapters 10 & 11 and use your imagination to feel the emotions on both sides.
While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the gathered company and they all spoke in tongues and gave praise and glory to God. Peter then baptised them in water and stayed a few days. Wouldn’t you like to have been there?
God has eyes on many people like Cornelius - longing to know God but not able to find Him. God has you and I who know Him and He wants us to be prepared to leave our preconceptions and comfort zones and allow Him to lead us to those who are seeking and have ears to hear the message from God.
Get ready for the unexpected!
by Joyce Sibthorpe
