Jump Start # 4082
Acts 10:4 “And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.’”
NOTE: Monday is a holiday. There will be no Jump Start that day.
Our verse today comes from the story of Cornelius. Specifically, it is a conversation between Cornelius and an angel. Four remarkable things unfold here. First, Cornelius has a vision from Heaven. Second, an angel appears. An angel speaks to Cornelius and third, he reveals that his prayers have been heard by God. Fourth, and, in the midst of all of this, Peter is encountering a vision which will change his heart about Gentile people. Peter must overcome major prejudices and God helps him through that journey.
What is interesting in the Cornelius story is that he is pictured as a very good and religious person. He is generous. He prays. He fears God. And, then like a cherry on top of a cake, he has a vision, an angel speaks to him and he is assured that his prayers have been heard in Heaven. Most in our times would say that man is saved. There is nothing more that he could do. Yet, that’s not the flow of the Bible. Cornelius is told to send for Peter. Peter preaches words whereby he will be saved. Just praying doesn’t save one. Seeing a vision doesn’t save. Having an angel appear and even speaking to you does not save you. One, like each of us, must respond to the preached Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in the message is the starting point.
Within our verse, the words of the angel, we find the idea of a “memorial.” The prayers of Cornelius has ascended as a memorial before God. How fitting to give this some thought as we are heading into Memorial Day weekend. For many of us, Memorial Day is a day off of work. It’s cookouts, picnics, car races, putting out the flag and having some fun. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who served our country and gave their lives. Many young people have gone off to war and several never made it back home. We have our freedoms here because brave men and women stood up to the call to defend and protect those principles.
Spiritually, we think of the Lord’s Supper as a memorial. Do this in memory of Me, is what Jesus said. Every Sunday, we think about that cross, that blood, and the freedom granted to us from the death clutches of Satan.
But, here in our verse, the prayers of Cornelius ascended as a memorial. Most of the English translations use the word “memorial” in this passage. We usually don’t think about prayers being a memorial. We’d use words like, “pleading,” “thanksgiving,” “praise,” “seeking forgiveness.” But, here it’s “memorial.”
I don’t know what was running through the mind and heart of Cornelius, but here are some thoughts about prayers being a memorial.
First, God has been so good to us. He has. He has blessed us, forgiven us, helped us and been there for us. Even someone like Cornelius could attest to that. Being a Roman centurion, the Lord has kept him safe and alive. Acknowledging that, speaking that, thanking that helps us realize that had it not been for the Lord, we would not be where we are.
Second, memorials are intended to honor another person. We shouldn’t use a memorial to make us seem great. It is the soldier who gave his life, it is the parents that showed us the Lord, it is the Lord that has gifted us and blessed us that we remember, honor and thank. Cornelius did that in his prayer.
There is a block wall around the courthouse in Spencer, Indiana that has names of men and women who served in the armed forces from that county. My sweet dad’s name is among them. I remember looking at that with him and he telling of so many of the names that he knew. Memories. Precious memories.
Cornelius’ prayer was a memorial to God.
Third, much too often the greatest words that we can think of are “Thank You.” But those words do not seem to be enough for all that one has done for another. Thank you to parents for all that they have done. Most never know all the things that they did. How many prayers that they said for us and how they had sacrificed for us. Thank you is just not enough for a group of believers that have accepted us, encouraged us, taught us and included us. And, thank you, just doesn’t seem enough for all that the Lord has done for us.
One way we strengthen our Thank You to the Lord is by living like the Lord. Allowing the Scriptures to shape our hearts and our character. Becoming gentle and kind. Being a person of forgiveness. Dropping the rocks of judgment and embracing one another in love.
Thank you’s to the Lord become empty when we hurry off to a selfish, worldly life. Cornelius called for Peter. Cornelius listened to Peter. Cornelius obeyed the Gospel call and was baptized. What happened after that? We are not told, but we have a good guess. Cornelius became a pillar in a congregation. He led others to the Lord. He became a fountain of encouragement and hope to others. Why do we think that? Because Cornelius was a memorial to the Lord.
This Memorial Day, think about all the Lord has done for you. Were it not for the Lord…
Roger