Today’s scripture: Acts 10:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Squire):
In the churches of my past, there were certain “imponderable” questions that would come up from time to time. One of those questions was, “What happens to the person who has never heard of Jesus?” The example most often cited was the young woman in some exotic remote jungle, who never had the “opportunity” to be evangelized by Christian missionaries.
Some hardliners took the view that she would be sent to hell, because she had never accepted Jesus as her savior. And they had an array of scripture to bolster their claims.
But I think this story shows us something quite different. We see a God who knows the heart — thoughts and intentions and motivations — and doesn’t necessarily keep a binary scorecard, where we’re either “in” or “out.”
We’re not told much about Cornelius, only that he was devout in his intention to serve God. Perhaps he had lived all his life immersed in the Roman systems of worship, but had found it lacking and empty, and he yearned for something deeper. Perhaps he had observed nature — a deep, starry sky, or the face of his newborn child — and had intuited that there was a Power beyond himself. Perhaps in his quest for God, he had investigated the Jewish faith and had found truth that spoke to his soul.
Whatever the case, we’re told that God took notice of his prayers and actions, and went to great lengths to show Cornelius even more truth. I find that both really comforting and challenging at the same time.
I don’t have to have all the truth — but I do need to be seeking for it. I don’t have to know every “correct” doctrine — but I do need to put into practice what I do know. Just as God honored Cornelius’ efforts and intentions, God will help me when I’m actively seeking God and when I’ve put into action the truth God has allowed me to find.
And that young woman in the jungle? I trust that God knows her heart, and will lead her to (or lead to her) whatever she needs as she sincerely searches for it.
Ask, and it will be given to you;
search, and you will find;
knock, and the door will be opened for you.
from Luke 11
Thought for the day: Am I seeking earnestly after God? Have I put into practice whatever bit of truth God has already given me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.