Hunger for Righteousness - Peter & Cornelius

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled Matthew five six. Dear Lord, stir within us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May it be a driving force that moves us to action, to advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and to stand against injustice wherever. 00:00:29 Speaker 2: We see it. 00:00:31 Speaker 1: Let our pursuit of righteousness be as essential as the air we breathe and the water we drink. Knowing that in your kingdom, these efforts are not in vain, but lead us to a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our commitment to do what is right, just and good in your eyes. Empower us by your spirit to be agents of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives overflow with the righteousness that comes from walking closely with you. In Jesus name, Amen, thank you for praying with me to day. You are listening to the Jesus Podcast Gospel stories told to awaken your imagination and challenge your faith. Remain here for another episode inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If you want to support this podcast, share it with a few friends. We want every one to be impacted by the story of Jesus. The sound of gulls and bartering sailors echoed from the shores of Galilee. The wind picked up scents of freshly caught fish and eucalyptus leaves. Peter leaned back, listening to Jesus with awe. Peter didn't know what the future held for him, but he knew that Jesus would be there to guide him through the highs and laws. He listened intently as Jesus stood before the crowd on the naut voice booming of grace and authority. 00:02:45 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit. 00:02:47 Speaker 3: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 00:02:50 Speaker 1: Those words brought comfort to those who had been kicked around in life. The beggars and sick alike came alive at the idea of being blessed with the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus continued encouraging the bereaved and the morning. 00:03:08 Speaker 3: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 00:03:12 Speaker 1: Those words were balms to wounded and weary souls. But then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive, something upside down to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. Roman soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at the very sound of jesus next proclamation. 00:03:35 Speaker 3: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 00:03:40 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought their strength gave them license to be cool. Important merchants and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, with earnest excitement in his voice, Jesus continued. 00:03:59 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 00:04:11 Speaker 4: You can't inherit righteousness from your parents. It doesn't get passed down from one generation to the next, nor is it an inherent part of you like a birthmark. Righteousness is yearned for, sought after, and treasured. Righteousness goes to those who hunger and thirst after it enough to seek it. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the glory of his truth through honest reflection. Today we continue to connect the threads of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount with another biblical story. Today we flash past the Gospel to the Book of Acts well focus on Matthew chapter five, verse six, which says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. We will see how this deep yearning for righteousness is vividly illustrated and the story of Cornelius's conversion found in Acts chapter ten, and we will explore how we can live out these values in our everyday lives. 00:05:16 Speaker 2: Get out of the way, rat. 00:05:18 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in the middle. 00:05:22 Speaker 2: Of the street. You're blocking the way of the centurion. Move or be moved. 00:05:27 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier might do. He tried to move, but his leg was injured. 00:05:37 Speaker 2: I want you. 00:05:38 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed his arm. 00:05:43 Speaker 5: Leave this man alone. That's an order. 00:05:45 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems were wretched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned with red, white and gold phrase. 00:05:58 Speaker 2: Strap. 00:05:58 Speaker 1: To his side was a sold lord with a serpent engraved on the hilt. He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 00:06:08 Speaker 5: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat defenseless beggars. Fall back in line, Yes, dominate. 00:06:15 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man and lifted him off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver in his hand. 00:06:24 Speaker 5: And smiled, go your way, sir, I'm sorry for the trouble. If this silver isn't enough to pay for a physician to treat your leg, find my attendant and he will help you. The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply replied. 00:06:39 Speaker 3: May God bless you, my lord, he has. 00:06:43 Speaker 1: Abundantly Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice. The centurion helped him to the side of the road and then turned to his men. 00:06:53 Speaker 5: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, but I do, and I shall not have such brow beating under my command. Is that understood away. 00:07:14 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man, one of a few God fearing gentiles in Cesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he fell deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He attended the Synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem from the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of faithfulness to his household. 00:07:45 Speaker 2: The law was etched on his. 00:07:47 Speaker 1: Heart, affecting how he commanded his men. While other soldiers of his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval of Caesar, Cornelia Das hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something greater than wrong, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the golden markings of his arm shimmered in the afternoon sun. Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city, but the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when they marched, children rushed to get a view of them, and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for him, hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides of his vision grew dim and in the center of his mind's eye he saw an angel of the Lord before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory, and with a voice booming like thunder. Cornelius, being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 00:09:39 Speaker 2: What is it, my Lord? 00:09:40 Speaker 6: Just then your prayers and alms to the poor have sent it as a memorial before the Lord. Send men to chop and ask for a man named Peter. He is lodging in a home by the sea with a man named Simon the tanner. Peter will show you the way. 00:10:02 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose and shouted for his attendants. 00:10:15 Speaker 5: Men, I need you to go to Choppa. Find me a man of God named Peter. 00:10:20 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea. The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships coming in and out of the port were much larger than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. As a boy, he wondered what it would be like to sail the Mediterranean to lands unknown. They were only dreams back then. However, after following Jesus, Peter realized that nothing was impossible. He tried to pray a air of thanksgiving to God, but an ache in his stomach had kept him from concentrating. 00:11:07 Speaker 2: Oh Lord, I'm hungry. 00:11:09 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to the man hosting him. 00:11:12 Speaker 2: Is there any way I could get something to eat? My journey seems to be catching up with me. I feel lightheaded. Don't worry. 00:11:21 Speaker 5: I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 00:11:23 Speaker 2: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 00:11:26 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of salt air, seasoned with the faint smell of fish and damp wood. It was a pleasant and familiar smell. Peter felt his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. The soothing noise of the ocean faded and all was silent. Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no longer on the roof, but standing on a grassy hill, gazing at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions of lights, twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. Suddenly, the lights moved toward one another, converging in one space, then exploding. The heavens opened up and a burst of light through the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched with fear. Peter saw something like a great sheet descending from the heavens, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds. Then Peter heard a voice boom from the heavens. 00:13:01 Speaker 2: Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 00:13:05 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. He thought the command might be a test to see if he would follow the law. When hungry. 00:13:24 Speaker 2: No, Lord, I can't eat these animals. I can't eat anything common or unclean. 00:13:30 Speaker 6: What God has made clean, do not call common. 00:13:35 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out at the sea. 00:13:54 Speaker 2: What God has made clean do not call common? What does this mean? 00:13:59 Speaker 1: Peter to rub his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about the meaning of his vision. In his prayers, Peter heard from the Holy Spirit three men were looking for him. When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter saw three men standing at the gates. 00:14:34 Speaker 2: Okay, Lord, what do you have next? 00:14:37 Speaker 1: Peter descended the stairs and approached the men. 00:14:40 Speaker 2: How may I help you? Gentlemen? 00:14:42 Speaker 5: We are looking for a man of God named Peter. We're told he may be lodging here. 00:14:46 Speaker 2: Where are you looking at him? Why have you come? 00:14:50 Speaker 5: We've come here from Caesarea on behalf of Cornelius centurion over the Italian cohorts. We know what you might be thinking, why would a gentile be asking for you? But Cornelius is a god fearing man who's beloved among the Jewish people in the region. You still haven't told me why he summoned me. 00:15:09 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed crazy to them, but they didn't. 00:15:19 Speaker 2: Know who they were talking to. 00:15:21 Speaker 5: He claims. An angel told him to find you. This angel told him that you have something to tell him and his household. 00:15:29 Speaker 1: Peter smirked, eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on the move. 00:15:38 Speaker 2: Lead the way. 00:15:39 Speaker 1: Peter summitted a small hill overlooking the road to Cessarea. A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied him as they followed the three gentile servants into the city. As Peter scanned the city below, he thought about his vision. What God has made clean to call common custom forbade Jews to eat with gentiles. But here Peter was sharing the road with gentiles, to be hosted by gentiles, and not just any gentiles. The household of an esteemed centaurion. 00:16:18 Speaker 2: Tell me more about this centurion. 00:16:21 Speaker 5: Well, he's not like other men in his position. While most of the centurions crave more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for. 00:16:31 Speaker 1: The servants trailed off, searching for the right words righteousness. Peter whispered, remembering the words of his master years ago. 00:16:41 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 00:16:47 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Cesarea, marching past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. No devout jew would be caught dead in the home of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. He wore Roman robes with Caesar's seal pin. 00:17:28 Speaker 2: To the sash. 00:17:30 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked up at the side of Peter. His shoulders swung back, and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for an attack, but instead Cornelius ran forward and fell at the Peter's feet. Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, a man of power and prestige, bowed in front of an uneducated Galilean Jew. 00:18:13 Speaker 5: Praise you, Peter, praise you for coming. 00:18:17 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by the shoulders. 00:18:23 Speaker 2: No, no, please stand up. I am a man just like you. 00:18:27 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room, but this centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was broad shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his throat and gestured to his family. 00:18:48 Speaker 2: Come gather round, eh, for I believe the Lord has a word for us all today. 00:18:53 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard cast a pleasant shadow. 00:18:59 Speaker 2: Over the group. 00:19:01 Speaker 1: He looked around, realizing what God had been trying to show him. 00:19:07 Speaker 2: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews, you are all considered unclean but God has shown me that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So when your companion sent for me, I came without objection. Peter jested to Cornelius. Now tell me, friend, why have you sent for me? 00:19:35 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. He was leaning forward as if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 00:19:43 Speaker 5: Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my home. As I was praying, a man stood before me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you, And now I and my household are here in the presence of God to hear what you have been commanded to preach. 00:20:08 Speaker 2: Amazing, I guess God doesn't show partiersee every nation who fears Him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 00:20:18 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying, this. 00:20:23 Speaker 2: Is the word I have come to preach. It is good news, and that news is peace peace through a knowledge of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Many of you have probably heard his name. He became famous throughout Judea. He was a man of great works and healing. He cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. God was truly with him by and my companions are witnesses of all that he did. But not all were amazed by his words and words. He was put to death across but God raised him from the dead. Three days later we bore witness to his resurrection. We ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. He truly rose from the dead. Now we all testify to his life. He has been appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 00:21:28 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius and said, I've. 00:21:32 Speaker 2: Been told you are a God fearing man, and have read the prophets. They bear witness that every one who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 00:21:45 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The spirit of God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. They began to speak in tongues and praise the Lord with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in amazement as uncircumcised gentiles received Christ into their hearts and immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ. But now something new was at work, something that penetrated through the walls of race, culture, class, or creed. 00:22:38 Speaker 5: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 00:22:46 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 00:22:49 Speaker 2: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we possibly with old water for baptizing these people. They've received the Holy Spirit. 00:22:58 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down to the water. They baptized them all one by one. The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come in the form of God's spirit. It didn't matter whether he was a gentile, a Roman, or a Centaurian. He hungered for righteousness, and God filled him. 00:23:31 Speaker 4: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Jesus uses powerful imagery of hunger and thirst to describe a deep, relentless longing for righteousness. This righteousness refers to a right relationship with God, a life lived in accordance with His will, and a pursuit of justice and holiness. Those who hunger and thirst for right liasciousness, are deeply aware of the brokenness in themselves and in the world around them. They desire to see God's justice, mercy, and truth prevail. Jesus promises that those who earnestly seek this righteousness will find true satisfaction in Him as their deepest desires align with God's heart. Now, let's turn to the story of Cornelius's conversion found in Acts ten. Cornelius was a Roman centurion known for his devout faith and good deeds. Despite his status and nationality which separated him from the Jewish community, Cornelius earnestly sought after God. Cornelius's life was marked by a genuine hunger and thirst for righteousness. He was committed to prayer, acts of charity, and a deep reverence for God. His earnest seeking led to a divine encounter where God sent Peter to preach the Gospel to him and his household. In Acts ten, Verses forty four through forty eight, we see the culmination of this pursuit. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Cornelius his hunger and thirst for righteousness were satisfied in the most profound way through the gift of the Holy Spirit and the full revelation of God's love and salvation in Jesus Christ. How can we like Cornelius hunger and thirst for righteousness in our everyday lives. First, it's about committing to prayer and worship. Cornelius was a Gentile centurion and a high ranking official under Caesar. If anyone was too busy or surrounded by too many distractions, it was Cornelius. Yet he still found time to seek God. He carved out that time like one would carve out time for breakfast and dinner. Cornelius was devoted to prayer. We should make prayer and worship central in our lives, seeking God's presence and guidance daily. In that light, we see something within Cornelius's prayer life, and that's seeking God's will. Sure we may habitually pray, attend church, and sing songs, but are we truly seeking God's will. It's one thing to pray God, this is what I desire, Please give it to me. And another thing to pray God, God, what is it that you desire? Please show me so that I can give it to you. Our hunger and thirst for righteousness should drive us to seek God's will in all areas of our lives. Cornelius's story teaches us that God's righteousness is inclusive. At first, Peter had to wrestle with a gentile to gain such intimate access to God, But that is what the gospel is all about. Anyone who honestly seeks after God will find him. Jesus says in Matthew chapter seven, Verses seven and eight. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. I know there's people in my life that I would have never expected to repent, to give their lives to Jesus, or to change for the better. In fact, I might have been initially angry to learn they were teaching a Bible study or leading ministry. But God transforms the lives of those who seek Him, regardless of their pasts. We should reach out to those who are different from us, breaking down barriers and sharing God's love with everyone. Lastly, and perhaps the most difficult, is to pursue holiness. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to pursue a life of holiness. This means striving to live in a way that is pleasing to God, repenting of our sins, and seeking to grow in Christ's likeness. As we reflect on Jesus' words, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. And the story of Cornelius's conversion. Let us strive to cultivate a deep yearning for God's righteousness in our lives. May we seek Him earnestly, live justly, and embrace the fullness of His love and truth. Let us pray for the strength and grace to be true citizens of Heaven, reflecting the character of Jesus in all that we do. Thanks again for listening. If you haven't yet followed or subscribed to our podcast, be sure to do so. It makes sure you never miss an episode, but it also helps us get discovered by more people. Thanks for joining us.