While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.

While I was studying at college for my accounting degree I also got a chance to win a choir scholarship. Part of this scholarship was to participate in voice lessons with some pretty great instructors. In one of my lessons, in an effort to help me get into the flow of the music, an instructor told me to picture different colored ribbons coming out of my mouth as I was singing. Sometimes wider and bolder, other times softer and more subtle. This visualization really helped me to think about singing less technically and more as an art form. Then, when we got the choir together (over 100 people), we had eight part harmonies many times. I imagined these colorful ribbons weaving together to create a beautiful moving mural of sorts.

When I think about all of the little movements, interactions, and connections of God’s Spirit that needed to happen in order for this meeting of Cornileus and Peter, I am awestruck! It is like colorful experiences and people being woven together and connected to experience God!

We are told in Acts chapter 9 that Peter went to Lydda as he was traveling about the countryside. He healed a man there. Then he was called to go to Joppa, to be with the saints there after the death of Tabitha. He raised her from the dead in the power of Jesus. And because of the revival that took place in Joppa, he stayed on for a while to encourage the new disciples of Jesus.

Now we find that God wants Cornelius to meet with Peter, but they are not in the same town. So he sent his Spirit to prompt Peter and an angel to talk to Cornelius. He encourages them to welcome each other. He tells Peter right when the men, sent by Cornelius, (who followed God’s orders) are at his house, in order that he will return to Cornelius’s house with them. And some of the new believers in Joppa get to witness this movement of God, as well. This detail and intentionality by God was important. Because of past persecution, security issues, and/or the fact that they were Gentiles, Peter might not have readily gone somewhere with these foreigners. All of this to connect these two righteous men to spread the gospel.

What is God not capable of? Why at times do I doubt him or hesitate to take action when he calls? When his Spirit moves on our hearts to join him in his awesome good work, we must be ready in mind, heart, and body to follow. Souls are ready to be harvested unto eternal life.

Lord, thank you for the Amazing Connections you orchestrate to bring together your people who can help each other do good works, expand your kingdom, and bring you glory. I want to continue to be a part of your redemption story on earth. Keep me humble, gracious, and eager to serve with a heart of kindness and love.