Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have well done that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before God… Picture the company assembled in Cornelius's house. It was composed of the God-fearing, devout people in the neighborhood; and, in their attitude, interest, and openness of heart, we may find the example of the "good hearer" to whom God's Word may come with power, and in whom it may be made fruitful The following are the marks of the "good hearer," of which we may be reminded by the text: There will be - I. THE DUE SENSE OF GOD'S PRESENCE. "We are all here present before God." Though that presence now finds no outward or symbolic expression m cloud or flame, it is inwardly realized, and has now on men's hearts its due solemnizing effect. The true worshipper can say, "Surely God is in this place." II. FULL RESOLVE AND INTENT. The company had not gathered according to custom or merely to please each other; all were purposed to come, and had set their minds upon hearing what St. Peter might have to say. Cornelius had awakened this earnestness by telling of his vision. III. DUE OPENNESS OF HEART. They were prepared to put all prejudice aside, "and hear all things commanded of God." The open-hearted listen to all, receiving what God sends, not merely what may please them or accord with their doctrinal views or prejudices. IV. CONSCIOUSNESS THAT WHAT GOD COMMANDS WILL HAVE TO BE DONE. The only good listener is the obedient listener, who goes forth to life prepared to carry out God's will as it may be revealed to him, and determined to tone all life by the principles which God may announce. Illustrate by the parable of the Sower and the seed. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. |
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