A God-Fearing Man
Cornelius is helpful to me because I do not prefer to be called a man of God or a godly man. I feel totally inadequate for such a description. I can never measure up to that expectation. But I can pursue a godly life enabled by the Holy Spirit. So, my desire and prayer is to be a God-fearing man. Cornelius is a wonderful example of what it means to be a God-fearing man. His story is beautiful and inspires my life!
Acts 10:1-8 (NLT)
1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.
4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.
6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” 7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.
7 Aspects of Cornelius' fearing God which resulted in him being a man of God and a godly man. He experienced the grace of God and had the approval of family, Jews. Gentiles, fellow soldiers, and servants. Most important, his family was a reflection of his humble attitude and active loving obedience to God.
Consider this about the faith, love and obedience of Cornelius:
Faithfulness in his trust in the Sovereign God and in total awe of God.
Earnestness in his heart and devotion to God.
Accountable in his behavior to God.
Responsiveness in his loving submission to God.
Inquisitiveness in seeking to know the purpose and will of God.
Non-neglectfulness in immediately obeying God.
Generousness in his compassion for the poor to the glory of God.
Romans 14:17-18 (NLT)
17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
This is the evidence of a truly God-fearing man and the influence and effectiveness of a life lived for the honor of God. My daily prayer is that I might be that kind of man for God’s glory. Let this passage encourage us:
Psalm 103:17-18 (NLT)
17 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!
