David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

I just finished listening to a biography of Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. It’s a very interesting listen, made even more interesting by an accompanying PDF showing 144 drawings and reproductions of his paintings. One curious notation in his notebook was “Describe the tongue of the woodpecker.” You might wonder why that was on his to-do list. Most likely it was because he was inveterately curious. The interesting insight by such a description proved to help understand how a woodpecker can bang its beak against a tree at 100 times the force that would be fatal to a human being. The tongue – three times as long as its beak – apparently helps cushion the bird’s brain.

What has this to do with being curious to learn, and in particular to learn about God. Da Vinci held some patently heretical beliefs. And even though his funeral was in the Roman Catholic Church – where three separate masses were held, and perhaps as many as 60 more to boot – it’s difficult to find in his notebooks or in his life a clear confession of faith. That said, he painted some remarkable religious works. And he was curious.

Cornelius was curious as well. He wanted to hear what Peter had to say. He was waiting before God to hear the message the Lord had given Peter. He went to a lot of trouble for this. He sent three men to find Peter and bring him back to Caesarea. He gathered his friends, colleagues, and family to be present when Peter arrived so they could all hear God’s message through Peter. He even imposes on Peter having him come into a Gentile home which was was against their laws. 

But he wanted to hear from God.

I wonder if I could use a bit of Cornelius’ curiosity. Rather than reading the first few paragraphs of a book I’ve been given, I may need actually to read the whole book. Rather than leaning on the truth that there’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), perhaps I should be more humble; that doesn’t mean I know everything under the sun that is to be known. I’m pretty quick to dismiss the latest findings by Barna, or insights of recent biblical scholarship – or at least to assume I already know them, or don’t need them. A bit of curiosity would serve me well in those areas.

This goes, too, for listening to others. A bit of curiosity can go a long way to finding out where someone really needs God’s grace, truth, comfort, challenge, or love. We all need all those things. Thank God Jesus embodies them all. But a bit more curiosity can help me understand my friend or neighbor’s true need. It might also serve to help me understand God’s grace and truth more fully if I don’t think I know it all and am willing to wait before God to learn from him.

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

The pointer flew across the cancel and landed in my lap, and the congregation laughed. The staff team sat around the table and prayed for each other. The parents of confirmation-age children came to me with an idea. The elders gathered around me and prayed for me and my son. Diane came with me on a hospital visit. These are my immediate thoughts about doing ministry together. These were enriching, encouraging, emboldening, and enlightening moments that I would never have had alone. We are better together!

This is nothing new. Although Peter is alone in prayer when the men from Cornelius’ house come seeking him, they are a group of three. And when Peter goes on to Cornelius’ house, he is not only in the company of these three, but some brothers from Joppa travel with him. He is definitely not alone. He is among a cadre of fellow travelers. They will go together.

And when they arrive they discover that there is a group of family household members and friends present with Cornelius. They are ready to hear with Peter has to say. There is strength in numbers – not only in mission, but in hearing as well. Whole families are brought into the fellowship of believers. Cornelius’ family and friends will receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized. In a time to come the Philippian jailer and his family will hear, believe, and be baptized.

We are individualists. We think about how the political climate will impact us individually. We consider our relationship with God to be a personal and individual issue. While these things are true, God’s vision is far wider. He wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. But he doesn’t want those who come to faith to be alone in their faith walk. We’re better together. This is God’s plan.

So don’t go alone. To church. To share the gospel message. To serve. To help. Take people along with you. You’ll both be blessed for it.

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

I’m pretty good at closing loops of conversation. Just ask my wife! Most often I’m correct when I intuitively figure out what someone is going to say, or what they mean. Except when I’m not. I can close the loop incorrectly, and think I understand before all has been explained when in fact the point is entirely different. It’s been called, going to MSU – Making Stuff Up!

In that manner I’m like Peter. He was the first to confess that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God. He was the first of the men to the tomb on Easter morning. He was among the first of the disciples Jesus called. In so many ways he got it. And in some ways he got it wrong. He rebuked Jesus (!) when Jesus said he was going to be crucified. He saw the threat to Jesus on the night of his arrest and cut off the ear of the slave Malcus. He also confidently said, “Though they all fall away from you, I will never fall away from you.” Ugh. When he was right he was very right. But when he was wrong…

That’s why it’s so remarkable to me that Peter goes to such lengths to determine just what is going on in this encounter with Cornelius. Why did you ask me here? What do you have to say? What do you want from me? He’s not jumping to any conclusions here. He’s probing carefully to discern what is happening and how he is to be part of it.

Is it because Jesus is gone now? He’s ascended to the right hand of God. He’s not right there in the flesh to guide, correct, encourage, or challenge Peter. Is it because he sees that the Gospel message is passing into new areas and peoples? That’s certainly going to happen. But is there maybe another reason?

There is one big difference between impulsive Peter before and careful, deliberate, and measured Peter we see here. Could it be the Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience… (Galatians 5). There it is! Patience!

Ugh. I think I need a strong dose of the Holy Spirit and the gift of patience he gives. It’s not so much a matter of waiting for a future event for which I need patience. It’s a matter of being patient and deliberate in seeking to understand others – giving them a chance to speak and explain themselves.

I once was interviewed by an FBI agent regarding a man I knew who was to have a high level cabinet post in the George W. Bush administration. That agent didn’t jump to any conclusions. He asked insightful questions and never assumed he knew the conclusion until all the questions had been asked and answered. Peter is no FBI agent, but he will make certain he understands what Cornelius wants and discerns that the door is open for him to share the Good News of Jesus.

There’s no conclusion jumping here!

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Acts 10:17-33

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour,^[d] and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

I’m not sure I was 100% correct, but I said it nevertheless. When it comes to mission work, I’d rather have chaos than gridlock. My point is that the mission of God requires us sometimes (?) to get dirty. It can be messy work.

I’m thinking of a young man who was far from God, quite unrefined in his understanding of how to act in church, and yet being brought into the Body of Christ. It was not easy or neat. But God was at work on him. The same can be said of the woman who was visited by a young evangelist, going door to door asking if she could pray for the residents of her apartment complex. The woman was nervous and obviously under duress. She closed the door. The next time, the young woman asked if she could pray for this resident, she allowed it and shared her story of abuse, addiction, and hopelessness. It took a while. And it wasn’t easy or pretty. But the story ends with her baptism, and she invited her friends to celebrate with her! They were a motley crew, but nonetheless, the focus of God’s redeeming love. Maybe not chaotic. But certainly not gridlock!

Some would think that Peter’s interaction with these people from Cornelius’ household was chaotic. Unrefined. Unscripted. Unexpected. But that is what God was up to: Expanding the reach of the Gospel. Isaiah puts it this way:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.
³ For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. – Isaiah 54:2-3

Ever been part of a renovation or remodeling project? It can surely be chaotic. But in the end you enjoy the fruits of your labors and the results overshadow the inconvenience.

God has set up all this for Peter and Cornelius and his household. This will prove to be a major shift in the spread of the Gospel message. The phrase which Luke uses throughout this book, The Word of the Lord grew, is coming true before our eyes. It may not appear to be that chaotic to our sensibilities. But trust me it was. And for this time – even though God does want things done decently and in order – there will be some chaos. Not 100% chaos, but I’m thinking maybe 75%. What do you think?

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Acts 10:17-33

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour,^[d] and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

When I was first introduced to Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, I was impressed with the simple manner in which Luther explains the 10 Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. His refrain is, “What does this mean?”  While some may make fun of this simple approach, it has proved to be very helpful in explaining the simple expression, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” What does this mean? It’s not just that God created all things, but that he still preserves us. And he does this because of his “fatherly divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.” 

Peter will not have a catechism to look at. Martin Luther would learn things from Peter 1500 years later. But for now, Peter didn’t know how to understand his vision and the command to rise and eat, much less how to apply the admonition, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (v. 15) But he is about to have something better than a catechism answer to his ponderings. God was setting things up for him to receive these visitors and agree to their request to go with them back to Cornelius’ house.

I’m not sure, though, that I understand Peter’s comment once he’s there.

And Peter said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” (v. 28-29)

This is not the Peter of whom I’ve read elsewhere. Peter who speaks first and thinks later now seems to be thinking before he speaks. I think he’s cautiously trying to understand what God is up to. Rather than offering to evangelize them, he’s asking that they admit to their interest in Jesus. This is totally new territory for Peter. He will feel his way forward, all the while thinking, What does this mean?

Peter will now be invited to share God’s message with Cornelius. He’ll hear it for himself. Peter will have the grand opportunity to tell Cornelius and his household what this means. It means that the gospel message is for Jew and Gentile. It means that God really does love all people. It means that the Word of the Lord is growing. It means that people are being saved.

Years later Peter will write, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) It means you and I are invited to repent and believe the Good News of Jesus. It means that God’s glorious grace has come to us. This is most certainly true.

Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 12:1-2

Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
    for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
² Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Psalm 42:1-6

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
² My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?^[b]
3 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    “Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation ⁶ and my God.

Psalm 72:1-4

Give the king your justice, O God,
    and your righteousness to the royal son!
² May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice!
³ Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness!
⁴ May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the children of the needy,
    and crush the oppressor!

Psalm 102:1-2

102 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you!
² Do not hide your face from me
    in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
    answer me speedily in the day when I call!

Psalm 132:9

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
    and let your saints shout for joy.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

I heard today the account of Pastor Paul Korabandi, a Lutheran pastor from India. His calling to the ministry began in 2015 when he worked as a pastor in India with another church body. Somehow he learned of the Lutheran Church and particularly of the climate in Texas for people such as him to enter the ministry here. It was 2019 when I actually met Paul, then a young and idealistic man whom another pastor and I interviewed as a first step toward becoming a Lutheran pastor. The interview proved to be helpful in a way he had not intended.

Through our conversation he was better prepared to take the next step in that process. That was to interview with church leaders in Missouri where our church headquarters is located – together with one of our two seminaries. He indicated that the conversation there was not as cordial or encouraging as ours had been. In fact it seems as though it was almost off-putting. Nonetheless he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a Lutheran pastor in the United States – even after having to return to India and wait for a visa to study and live here.

Paul and his family received his visa in 2019, and in 2021 Paul was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in the north Houston area. He now serves an Indian congregation in that area. But the path was long and challenging to get there. He credits it all to God’s timing. I think of it as patience.

We’re not told how long Cornelius had been praying before God answered in the way he did. But the description of his faithfulness indicates that it may have been years. Finally he is told to summon Peter. Peter was made ready for this by means of the vision of the formerly unclean or common foods and the command to rise and eat. All this came together by God’s timing.

Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix is one of the most insightful books I’ve read. Written by Edwin Friedman, this book in its title captures the challenge we all face. We live in the age of the quick fix. We want our solutions now. We want to see God move now. We want to have the results of our efforts and the answers to our prayers now. We too often are willing to settle for a quick fix when God has a much better blessing planned for us.

However long Cornelius prayed, God did (finally?) answer. Peter was dispatched. New things are on the horizon. God’s story will continue to unfold. I like to say that we overestimate what we can do in the short term and way underestimate what God will do in the long term. God’s timing is perfect and gracious. His answers are always good. That’s why we pray faithfully without ceasing and wait hopefully for God’s answers – whenever the timing of God brings them to pass.

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Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

I had just had hip replacement surgery 6 weeks before we headed out from Arlington, Texas to San Antonio. I had pain pills, thankfully. But even if I had not taken any pain medicine I was in no condition to drive. We stopped a couple of times on the trip so I could get out and stretch – albeit with crutches in hand. We were headed to SA to take part in what would become a significant ministry and mission-shaping experience and association with the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI).

PLI was designed for pastors and their wives, and the wives were full participants in the process. They were called partners – at that time not so much a politically-loaded term. The Partners were in most of the same presentations as the pastors. They had their own separate breakout sessions, as did the pastors. Issues around men and women, marriage and ministry had some very common components, as well as unique-to-each issues. But the Partner part of PLI was a breakthrough for most all of the wives and husbands. Diane went on to work for PLI initially as the director of the Partner Ministry.

Diane has always been a strong and significant partner to me in life and ministry. Sometimes, however, partners are closer than you think and not obvious in their importance. I think of that as I see how Cornelius used some unlikely partners for his interaction with Peter. Luke tells us that “He called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.” It surprises me that he involves these three in this mission. They would be in the know as well as on the ground in their help.

Partners are in the know. They have insights into your life, thoughts, plans, and motives if they are to serve well as a mission or life partner. If you really want to undercut your effectiveness, keep your partners in the dark. Don’t let them know what you’re thinking or planning.

Partners are also on the ground and in the game. A partner on the bench does no good. But one who is engaged in life and mission with you is vital. This is old news, but worth repeating:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! A cord of three strands cannot easily be broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Jesus himself had 12 partners, three special ones and one beloved disciple. He sent his disciples out two by two in their mission efforts. This is God’s design, summarized in the words, “Don’t go alone.” I thank God for Diane, my partner in life and ministry, as well as others who have come along side of me in each realm. Fellow pastors and friends, church leaders and members, teachers and trainers have all helped me do whatever good I have done. As I’ve said many times before, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (cf. Genesis 2:18) That’s true in life as well as in mission.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

It was a cold rainy night in Brooklyn, New York as people lined up outside the converted theatre which is home to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Pastor David Schultz and I went past the people in line waiting in the rain(!) to get in for the Tuesday night prayer service. We had an appointment with Jim Cymbala, the founder of this remarkable church where prayer is their chief mission tool. And boy did we pray that night!

But first, let me share a bit about our visit with Cymbala. He is a dedicated servant of Jesus, and a pray-er extraordinaire. His story of his lost/prodigal daughter’s return to the faith, church, and their home is remarkable and heart-warming. It brought tears to my eyes when I learned of it. I’ve included a video of this story below. But this is just one example – albeit a very personal one to him. There are countless other stories of God answering prayers to reclaim lost and wandering people back into the Body of Christ.

But this is nothing new. When the Temple was dedicated 3000 years ago Solomon prayed,

“Likewise, when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a far country for your name’s sake ⁴² (for they shall hear of your great name and your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, ⁴³ hear in heaven your dwelling place and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that this house that I have built is called by your name. – 1 Kings 8:41-43

And a thousand years later Cornelius is praying and God sends Peter to reach into new people’s hearts and cross new boundaries, bringing the foreigners into his kingdom. Peter is in prayer when he receives the vision of common and unclean animals and is commanded to rise and eat. The church will be in prayer when they are told to set aside Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey. Jesus calls his disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into the harvest.

I totally get it when we’re driven to our knees because of an urgent personal need. I understand when people reach out to God for help in finding a job or house, or conceiving a child. I’ve prayed for God’s peace and wisdom when I’ve faced a difficult decision. I’ve prayed for people to be healed. All these are good and honorable prayers. God promises to hear such prayers offered in faith and in Jesus’ name.

Jesus taught us to pray for all these things. He also taught us to pray, Thy kingdom come. And in that prayer raised our eyes beyond the urgent needs of the moment to the eternal needs of all people. When we pray Thy kingdom come, we’re praying that people are brought to faith in Jesus, that his gracious reign and rule would take root in our hearts and in the hearts of others. That prayer is much aligned with the mission of God. I believe it to be a truly worthy prayer.

Click here to see Jim Cymbala describe the return of his daughter – an answer to fervent prayer.

https://vimeo.com/74900964

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

I believe God’s promises about prayer, but I’m not sure I believe in prayer. To say I believe in prayer is too broad. It’s as though prayer itself is something to believe in, as opposed to believing in the One who has promised to hear and answer prayers – albeit conditionally. And that conditionally part is why I don’t like to say I believe in prayer.

The Bible is clear about this: God promises to hear and answer the prayers offered in faith, in Jesus’ name, and from a righteous person praying fervently.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:19-20

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. – James 5:16

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  – Luke 11:9-10

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. – Matthew 6:7

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. – Proverbs 15:8

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. – James 4:3

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:8

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. – John 15:16

Cornelius’ prayer life is honored here. His whole life apparently aligned with God’s will and commandments. Even though he was a Roman soldier, he was known to have been generous and prayerful. And the angel of God tells him that his prayers have been heard. He will be part of a new wind of the Holy Spirit moving even beyond his home.

Recently our home life group began praying for each other and those we love who we wish were closer to God. Soon after we began such prayer, we began seeing God’s Spirit at work in the lives of these loved ones. It was a clear answer to prayer, and had we not prayed it’s not likely we would have seen such changes.

We’re still praying for these loved ones. Whether it’s for healing, peace of heart, or to be brought back to God, we continue praying because God commands that we pray and promises to hear us when we call on him in Jesus’ name. For such fervent, persistent, faith-filled prayers in Jesus’ name avail before God. I pray fervently because I believe in God’s promises about prayer. Do you?