Meditation
 
A TRIBUTE TO A GOD FEARING FATHER Acts 10
by Pastor Lucious Fullwood
 
Cornelius was a God fearing man. He was not a Christian, but he was a man who believed in God and tried to do what was right. This is the report that we have about him in Acts 10:2: “He and all of His family were devout and God fearing; He gave generously to the poor and He prayed to God regularly.”
 
Because Cornelius was faithful in his efforts to please God, the Lord blessed him with a vision of an angel who gave him further instruction about his salvation. The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to a little seaport city called Joppa and invite the Apostle Peter to his home.

Cornelius obeyed the angel’s instruction and sent for Peter. After his men left, Cornelius made great preparation for Peter’s coming. He called together his relatives and friends and waited for Peter’s arrival. I suspect Peter was surprised to see that Cornelius had called together a large gathering of people to hear him.
 
Peter proceeded to share the gospel with the group and God worked a miracle. They responded to the message and were saved. The Lord gave them the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to confirm that He had accepted the Gentile Christians as He had done for the Jews in Acts 2.

Cornelius’ action is a great tribute to a God fearing father. First he set a good example for his family by seeking to please God with his life. Secondly, he also led them to be a devout and God fearing family. After he receive word about Peter, he gathered his family together and invited Peter to his home to share the Gospel with his family and friends. Because of Cornelius’ efforts, a lot of people got saved.

It is a great honor when a father works hard to provide for the physical needs of His family. It is a greater honor when fathers follow Cornelius’ example and provide for the spiritual needs of his family. Fathers, I trust that you are following Cornelius’ example in leading your family to Christ. Our Christian faith is the greatest legacy that we can leave to our children.