PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 10:23-43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” (Acts 10:42)
Peter gives a good summary of the good news about Jesus the Messiah.
Jesus is God’s appointed Lord and Judge for all people, but not as one might expect.
He is a Lord and Judge that did good and helped those under Satan’s power.
He is a Lord and Judge that freely extends forgiveness to all who believe in him.
He is a Lord and Judge that his enemies killed by hanging on a cross.
Yes, this unlikely Lord and Judge is the one appointed and anointed by God.
This is why he is such good news, because he brings hope and help and healing.
When he finally comes to judge the living and the dead, it will be on this basis.
The Lord and Judge who came doing good and healing will judge us for these things.
Cornelius is accepted because he is doing good and healing/helping others.
His sincere trust in God and desire to do good is seen and remembered by God (v.31).
Jesus as Lord and Judge will also see and remember people for such things.
We will not be saved by our goodness, but by our trust and surrender to his goodness.
Our doing good for others will show who believes in his goodness and is forgiven.
PRAYER
Jesus, you are a Lord and Judge I don’t mind witnessing to. I am drawn to and blessed by your goodness, and long to share your goodness with others.
“accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” and “the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead”. Jesus is the narrow gate – He determines who goes to paradise. Those who have a heart for the poor and care about being right with God and man. Jesus it the the one that connects me with the Father. He connects anyone from any nation or race – Lord help me to be the messenger of Good news – get to know Jesus – accept Jesus at his word – that he is the way to the Father. Lord, I know for many that is difficult – many who believe there are other rituals etc. that they must do – caught up in religion or religious practice that diverts them from Jesus.
Peter told the story of Jesus and His love for His people. Peter was but one of His disciples who shared the good news of the life of Christ Who rules His people. All people who believe in Him, no matter their race, will receive forgiveness of sins through His name. I too need to share that Good News by my words and deeds. They will know we are Christian by our love.
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they’ll know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.