Acts 10

Acts 10
A roman leader has a vision, sends for Peter that is also having a vision. Neither understands what they are seeing or why exactly they are doing what they’re doing, but they go in faith and obedience. Upon meeting Cornelius, Peter and his friends are amazed that this Gentile truly knows God. They are amazed that he knows God and at the instant revelation Peter has that Cornelius is covered by God as was revealed to Peter in the vision.

This makes me think of the windows of heaven and God being outside of time. It seems that the windows were open for both people that were obedient in walking through them. When they walked through them, the Lord surprised them with His revelation and His will.

The first point that Matthew Henry points out in his commentary is that the Centurian was obedient to the Lord. We know that the Lord is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed. So He says to Cornelius, “‘Thy prayers shall be answered, and thine alms recompensed.’’’

Here we see that work is alive as is according to his faith in prayer….

In regards to the two of them having visions and meeting without revelation Mr. Henry writes, “To all God’s purposes there is a time, a proper time; and he is pleased often to bring things to the minds of his ministers, which they had not thought of, just then when they have occasion to use them.”

How true this is for us that the Lord tells us to go here and do this or that and then His will is revealed to our surprise. This is great to put at peace for all the worriers out there. You cannot know God's will until you walk through the open door, so stop trying to figure out His plan in your life and just keep walking!

God knew Peter was a doubter, just like many of us, but Matthew writes that, “He is ordered to go along with the messengers to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile, doubting nothing.” (just like he commands us to walk in faith not in doubtful fear), which Mr. Henry supports in his next comment about service that “…When we see our call clear to any service, we should not suffer ourselves to be perplexed with doubts and scruples concerning it arising from former prejudices or pre-possessions, or a fear of men’s censure. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind, and prove his own work.” In this section the important aspect is to truly see your call clearly and know that like Peter, like the Centurian a servant is to know that “God was with him, v. 38. His works were wrought in God. God not only sent him, but was present with him all along, owned him, stood by him, and carried him on in all his services and sufferings. Note, Those whom God anoints he will accompany; he will himself be with those to whom he has given his Spirit. “

So pray, offer up alms and do good works for the Lord without growing weary. He will guide you and be with you wherever you place your foot, but listen carefully for the open doors of heaven so that you don't get your foot slammed in the door!

Isa 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

http://blueletterbible.org/
http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Act/Act010.html