RPG Adults
PREPARED HEARTS
SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
Acts 10:24-33
John 6:44-45
“Every man therefore that hath heard,
and hath learned of the Father,
cometh unto me.”
PREPARED HEARTS
When God sends forth His messenger to a certain place, He prepares the heart of the recipients there to receive the good news. The Lord will give them listening ears and open minds to hear the gospel. This is the joy of the preacher when the Lord softens the hearts of the hearers and grants them understanding, and the Spirit convicts them of their sins. Repentance and faith in Christ will surely follow. Not all will get saved and not many may come to believe, but God’s Word will not return unto Him void (Isa 55:11).
Waiting: Cornelius was waiting for them. As a centurion, he knew very well how long the soldiers would take to travel to Joppa and back. That day he was in joyful anticipation and called his relatives and close friends to come. A heart prepared of God is excited for the Lord’s working not only for himself but also for the people around him. Cornelius was even prepared to fall down in reverential obeisance to Peter. But Peter was quick to stop him. This is a verse that Roman Catholics may have missed.
Wanting: Upon arrival at Cornelius’ home, Peter saw that it was not just one person waiting. Peter and Cornelius shared what had happened and the visions that they each had seen. Cornelius was thankful to the Lord for Peter’s coming and expressed on behalf of the people their eagerness to hear the Word. “To the end Peter may be more ready and willing to teach, Cornelius affirmeth that himself and the rest will be apt to be taught, and ready to obey God” (Calvin). Cornelius was right that what they wanted was what the Lord commanded Peter to tell them, not Peter’s own words. Preachers must take note of this.
Prepared hearts are ready to receive the Word. Does John 10:26-27 or Acts 10:33 apply to you?
THOUGHT: Am I praying for opened hearts to share God’s Word with?
PRAYER: Father, blessed be Thy name for the work of regenerating souls.