CORNELIUS—A DEVOUT GENTILE

The salvation of the Gentiles was ushered in through a man named Cornelius, a Roman Centurion of the Italian Regiment. Scripture declares that Cornelius was a devout man who feared God and was generous in giving to the poor (Acts 10:1-2).

Because of Cornelius' devotion to God and to others, God sent an angel directing him to seek out Peter and learn of Jesus. Peter was in Joppa staying at the home of Simon the Tanner, and having a dramatic encounter with the Lord as well.

Cornelius and his household were Gentiles. Jews and Gentiles didn't mingle either socially or in worship. However, God revealed to Peter in a vision that what He had made clean was clean. Immediately, representatives from Cornelius' household knocked on the gate and asked for Peter. The narrative continues with Peter and several associates traveling to the home of Cornelius and sharing the gospel of Jesus with them. The Holy Spirit fell on all present and all were saved and filled the Spirit. When Peter saw this, he was astonished that God would show such mercy to Gentiles—a major paradigm shift for Peter.

CORNELIUS' MEMORIAL

Cornelius' prayers to God and offerings given to the poor built a memorial before God: "About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, 'Cornelius!' And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, 'What is it, lord?' So he said to him, 'Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God ...'" (Acts 10:3-4).

Through the memorial built by a Gentile, a Roman Centurion, salvation came to all men and women everywhere. The memorial Cornelius built was not made of stone or wood like a monument, it was constructed of generosity and prayer—faithfulness to the heart of God.

The faithfulness of Cornelius was demonstrated by two major departures from the customary behavior of a Roman official occupying the land of the Jews:

Cornelius' faithfulness opened the windows of Heaven and moved the hand of God. As a result, his entire household was presented with the gospel of Jesus Christ and was saved. Cornelius declared his inheritance before God and began to reap the bounty of his reward while yet on earth.

MEMORIAL BEFORE GOD

You can build memorials that rise before God and remain as sweet incense in the throne room of Heaven. These two examples from Scripture simply establish a framework upon which to make your declaration of inheritance.

We began this article by asking some questions:

All these issues and more can be set before the Lord as a memorial. Doing so ensures that your petition remains before God as a constant reminder of your plight or need.

However, memorializing your request before God requires more than just saying a prayer. It also requires action. Just like filing a legal brief brings an issue to the attention of a court of law, so your memorial offering captures the attention of God.

Notice that Hannah made her request and then offered up a sacrifice to the Lord. Likewise, Cornelius made his request to God and gave alms (offerings) to the poor. Their requests, coupled with offerings, brought action and God's hand was moved.

You may wonder how Hannah's sacrifice and Cornelius' alms giving are the same. One was offered to God, while the other was given to the poor. Scripture declares that giving to the poor is like lending to God: "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given" (Prov. 19:17).

SWEET INCENSE IN HEAVEN'S REALM

As you couple your request with an offering, you build a memorial and declare before God your inheritance. The blessing of Abraham was that he would be blessed and his seed after him would also be blessed. The Philippian jailor's household was saved. Cornelius' household was saved. Hannah's son, Samuel, became the prophet God used to anoint the first two kings in Israel's history!

God longs to see you leave a legacy, an inheritance, for your seed and your seed's seed: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children" (Prov. 13:22). Memorial offerings make the declaration of inheritance. Therefore, declare your inheritance and leave a legacy of salvation for your family.

TAKE THESE STEPS: Right now, build a memorial before the throne of God as you lift up your supplication to the Lord. It's really very simple:

1) Decide for whom or for what you are building the memorial:

2) Determine what your offering will be and give it willingly: "Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 'Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering'" (Ex. 25:1-2).

3) Offer up your sacrifice and prayers to the Lord in faith, believing that He will do according to your word: "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14).

4) Pray this prayer as you make your offering before the Lord: Heavenly Father. thank you for the promise of Your Word that declares that, whatever I ask You in the name of Jesus, You'll do. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my plea and receiving this offering I bring unto You.

Father, I now bring before you (speak the subject of your prayer) in faith, believing that You will move Your hand in response to my prayer. Lord, I bring this offering to You and present it with this prayer as a memorial before Your throne.

Thank You, Lord, for moving on my behalf in this request. To You goes all the praise, honor and glory, forever and ever. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Finally, don't waver in your faith. God's promises are sure, and they're just as much for you as for anyone else. Receive His promises today and see the mighty hand of God move on your behalf for your family. HT


Rev. Dr. Larry Keefauver co-pastors The Gathering Place Worship Center in Lake Mary, Florida.
He has authored books such as, Lord, I Wish My Husband Would Pray With Me.