1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:04,880 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 2 00:00:04,940 --> 00:00:11,000 Speaker 1: they shall be filled. Matthew 5, 6. Dear Lord, stir 3 00:00:11,060 --> 00:00:17,280 Speaker 1: within us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May 4 00:00:17,320 --> 00:00:21,130 Speaker 1: it be a driving force that moves us to action, 5 00:00:21,989 --> 00:00:26,350 Speaker 1: to advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and 6 00:00:26,390 --> 00:00:31,970 Speaker 1: to stand against injustice wherever we see it. Let our 7 00:00:32,050 --> 00:00:35,930 Speaker 1: pursuit of righteousness be as essential as the air we 8 00:00:36,050 --> 00:00:41,489 Speaker 1: breathe and the water we drink. Knowing that in your 9 00:00:41,590 --> 00:00:46,480 Speaker 1: kingdom these efforts are not in vain, but lead us 10 00:00:46,540 --> 00:00:52,500 Speaker 1: to a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, 11 00:00:53,460 --> 00:00:58,790 Speaker 1: but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our 12 00:00:58,870 --> 00:01:03,590 Speaker 1: commitment to do what is right. just and good in 13 00:01:03,630 --> 00:01:09,230 Speaker 1: your eyes. Empower us by your Spirit to be agents 14 00:01:09,300 --> 00:01:15,440 Speaker 1: of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and 15 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:20,980 Speaker 1: integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. 16 00:01:22,740 --> 00:01:26,950 Speaker 1: Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives 17 00:01:27,209 --> 00:01:32,260 Speaker 1: overflow with the righteousness of that comes from walking closely 18 00:01:32,740 --> 00:01:41,550 Speaker 1: with you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for praying 19 00:01:41,709 --> 00:01:46,649 Speaker 1: with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel 20 00:01:46,690 --> 00:01:51,220 Speaker 1: stories told to awaken your imagination and challenge your faith. 21 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:56,140 Speaker 1: Remain here for another episode inspired by the Sermon on 22 00:01:56,180 --> 00:02:00,520 Speaker 1: the Mount. If you want to support this podcast, share 23 00:02:00,580 --> 00:02:03,919 Speaker 1: it with a few friends. We want everyone to be 24 00:02:03,980 --> 00:02:09,500 Speaker 1: impacted by the story of Jesus. The sound of gulls 25 00:02:09,980 --> 00:02:15,250 Speaker 1: and bartering sailors echoed from the shores of Galilee. The 26 00:02:15,310 --> 00:02:19,430 Speaker 1: wind picked up scents of freshly caught fish and eucalyptus leaves. 27 00:02:21,110 --> 00:02:26,669 Speaker 1: Peter leaned back, listening to Jesus with awe. Peter didn't 28 00:02:26,710 --> 00:02:29,750 Speaker 1: know what the future held for him, but He knew 29 00:02:29,810 --> 00:02:32,829 Speaker 1: that Jesus would be there to guide him through the 30 00:02:32,870 --> 00:02:38,669 Speaker 1: highs and lows. He listened intently as Jesus stood before 31 00:02:38,690 --> 00:02:44,650 Speaker 1: the crowd on the mountain, voice booming with grace and authority. 32 00:02:45,110 --> 00:02:48,519 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 33 00:02:48,580 --> 00:02:49,380 Speaker 2: kingdom of heaven. 34 00:02:50,060 --> 00:02:53,440 Speaker 1: Those words brought comfort to those who had been kicked 35 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:58,750 Speaker 1: around in life. The beggars and sick alike came alive 36 00:02:58,810 --> 00:03:02,109 Speaker 1: at the idea of being blessed with the kingdom of heaven. 37 00:03:04,050 --> 00:03:07,850 Speaker 1: Jesus continued, encouraging the bereaved and the mourning. 38 00:03:08,450 --> 00:03:11,950 Speaker 2: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 39 00:03:12,950 --> 00:03:17,930 Speaker 1: Those words were balms to wounded and weary souls. But 40 00:03:17,970 --> 00:03:23,520 Speaker 1: then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive, something upside down 41 00:03:23,580 --> 00:03:28,709 Speaker 1: to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. Roman 42 00:03:28,750 --> 00:03:32,430 Speaker 1: soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at the 43 00:03:32,470 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 1: very sound of Jesus' next proclamation. 44 00:03:35,470 --> 00:03:39,530 Speaker 2: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 45 00:03:40,270 --> 00:03:43,930 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought 46 00:03:43,970 --> 00:03:50,390 Speaker 1: their strength gave them license to be cruel. Important merchants 47 00:03:50,810 --> 00:03:54,990 Speaker 1: and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, 48 00:03:55,110 --> 00:03:59,090 Speaker 1: with earnest excitement in his voice, Jesus continued. 49 00:03:59,670 --> 00:04:03,510 Speaker 2: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 50 00:04:03,570 --> 00:04:05,390 Speaker 2: they shall be filled. 51 00:04:11,350 --> 00:04:14,839 Speaker 3: You can't inherit righteousness from your parents. It doesn't get 52 00:04:14,940 --> 00:04:18,260 Speaker 3: passed down from one generation to the next, nor is 53 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:22,200 Speaker 3: it an inherent part of you, like a birthmark. Righteousness 54 00:04:22,339 --> 00:04:26,990 Speaker 3: is yearned for, sought after, and treasured. Righteousness goes to 55 00:04:27,029 --> 00:04:30,169 Speaker 3: those who hunger and thirst after it enough to seek it. 56 00:04:31,250 --> 00:04:34,390 Speaker 3: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories 57 00:04:34,450 --> 00:04:37,909 Speaker 3: showcasing the depth of Christ's love through storytelling and the 58 00:04:37,950 --> 00:04:42,890 Speaker 3: glory of His truth through honest reflection. Today, we continue 59 00:04:42,930 --> 00:04:45,510 Speaker 3: to connect the threads of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount 60 00:04:45,830 --> 00:04:50,180 Speaker 3: with another biblical story. Today, we flash past the gospel 61 00:04:50,480 --> 00:04:54,349 Speaker 3: to the book of Acts. We will focus on Matthew 5, 62 00:04:54,350 --> 00:04:57,760 Speaker 3: verse 6, which says, Blessed are those who hunger and 63 00:04:57,839 --> 00:05:01,720 Speaker 3: thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. We will 64 00:05:01,760 --> 00:05:05,680 Speaker 3: see how this deep yearning for righteousness is vividly illustrated 65 00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:10,120 Speaker 3: in the story of Cornelius' conversion found in Acts 10. 66 00:05:10,120 --> 00:05:12,120 Speaker 3: And we will explore how we can live out these 67 00:05:12,180 --> 00:05:14,020 Speaker 3: values in our everyday lives. 68 00:05:16,790 --> 00:05:17,930 Speaker 4: Get out of the way, rats! 69 00:05:18,870 --> 00:05:21,750 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in 70 00:05:21,790 --> 00:05:22,609 Speaker 1: the middle of the street. 71 00:05:23,210 --> 00:05:27,240 Speaker 4: You're blocking the way of the centurion! Move or be moved! 72 00:05:27,880 --> 00:05:31,880 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier 73 00:05:31,940 --> 00:05:36,400 Speaker 1: might do. He tried to move, but his leg was injured. 74 00:05:37,279 --> 00:05:38,380 Speaker 4: I warned you! 75 00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed 76 00:05:42,320 --> 00:05:42,780 Speaker 1: his arm. 77 00:05:43,180 --> 00:05:45,559 Speaker 5: Leave this man alone! That's an order! 78 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:50,980 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems 79 00:05:51,339 --> 00:05:54,860 Speaker 1: were etched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned 80 00:05:54,900 --> 00:05:59,460 Speaker 1: with red, white, and gold frays. Strapped to his side 81 00:05:59,500 --> 00:06:02,620 Speaker 1: was a sword with a serpent engraved on the hilt. 82 00:06:04,170 --> 00:06:07,630 Speaker 1: He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 83 00:06:08,170 --> 00:06:11,290 Speaker 5: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat 84 00:06:11,410 --> 00:06:14,469 Speaker 5: defenseless beggars. Fall back in line! 85 00:06:15,070 --> 00:06:15,750 Speaker 4: Yes, Domine! 86 00:06:15,990 --> 00:06:19,190 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man. and lifted him 87 00:06:19,250 --> 00:06:23,270 Speaker 1: off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver 88 00:06:23,710 --> 00:06:25,450 Speaker 1: in his hand and smiled. 89 00:06:26,110 --> 00:06:29,150 Speaker 5: Go your way, sir. I'm sorry for the trouble. If 90 00:06:29,190 --> 00:06:31,620 Speaker 5: this silver isn't enough to pay for a physician to 91 00:06:31,650 --> 00:06:34,740 Speaker 5: treat your leg, find my attendant and he will help you. 92 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:38,960 Speaker 1: The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply. 93 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,580 Speaker 2: Replied, May God bless you, my lord. 94 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:43,960 Speaker 5: He has, abundantly. 95 00:06:44,660 --> 00:06:49,770 Speaker 1: Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice, The centurion 96 00:06:49,810 --> 00:06:52,110 Speaker 1: helped him to the side of the road, and then 97 00:06:52,210 --> 00:06:53,150 Speaker 1: turned to his men. 98 00:06:53,830 --> 00:06:57,550 Speaker 5: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, 99 00:06:58,130 --> 00:07:01,230 Speaker 5: hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your 100 00:07:01,370 --> 00:07:05,830 Speaker 5: arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, 101 00:07:06,300 --> 00:07:09,600 Speaker 5: but I do, and I shall not have such browbeating 102 00:07:09,640 --> 00:07:10,640 Speaker 5: under my command. 103 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:12,440 Speaker 4: Is that understood? 104 00:07:12,460 --> 00:07:14,080 Speaker 2: Yes, General! 105 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:19,140 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man. one of a few God-fearing 106 00:07:19,240 --> 00:07:24,940 Speaker 1: Gentiles in Caesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he 107 00:07:24,980 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 1: felt deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He 108 00:07:29,060 --> 00:07:34,030 Speaker 1: attended the synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem 109 00:07:34,070 --> 00:07:39,170 Speaker 1: for the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He 110 00:07:39,210 --> 00:07:42,330 Speaker 1: was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of 111 00:07:42,430 --> 00:07:48,000 Speaker 1: faithfulness to his household. The law was etched on his heart, 112 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:53,920 Speaker 1: affecting how he commanded his men. While other soldiers of 113 00:07:53,980 --> 00:07:57,590 Speaker 1: his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval 114 00:07:57,690 --> 00:08:05,210 Speaker 1: of Caesar, Cornelius hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something 115 00:08:05,390 --> 00:08:12,130 Speaker 1: greater than Rome, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner 116 00:08:12,170 --> 00:08:17,160 Speaker 1: of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His 117 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:20,080 Speaker 1: hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the 118 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:23,710 Speaker 1: golden markings of his armor shimmered in the afternoon sun. 119 00:08:25,470 --> 00:08:28,550 Speaker 1: Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city. 120 00:08:29,890 --> 00:08:34,790 Speaker 1: But the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when 121 00:08:34,830 --> 00:08:38,530 Speaker 1: they marched. Children rushed to get a view of them, 122 00:08:39,330 --> 00:08:45,430 Speaker 1: and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved. 123 00:08:46,590 --> 00:08:52,589 Speaker 1: thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At 124 00:08:52,610 --> 00:08:56,380 Speaker 1: the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. 125 00:08:57,620 --> 00:09:01,620 Speaker 1: The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. 126 00:09:02,980 --> 00:09:05,900 Speaker 1: He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for him, 127 00:09:06,740 --> 00:09:14,430 Speaker 1: hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides 128 00:09:14,510 --> 00:09:18,199 Speaker 1: of his vision grew dim, And in the center of 129 00:09:18,240 --> 00:09:22,319 Speaker 1: his mind's eye, he saw an angel of the Lord 130 00:09:22,860 --> 00:09:28,720 Speaker 1: before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory, 131 00:09:29,620 --> 00:09:31,890 Speaker 1: and with a voice booming like thunder. 132 00:09:32,210 --> 00:09:33,310 Speaker 6: Cornelius! 133 00:09:34,270 --> 00:09:38,590 Speaker 1: Being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 134 00:09:39,130 --> 00:09:40,089 Speaker 5: What is it, my lord? 135 00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:43,980 Speaker 7: Just then, your prayers and alms to the poor have 136 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:49,130 Speaker 7: ascended as a memorial before the Lord. Send men to 137 00:09:49,190 --> 00:09:53,490 Speaker 7: Joppa and ask for a man named Peter. He is 138 00:09:53,590 --> 00:09:56,510 Speaker 7: lodging in a home by the sea with a man 139 00:09:56,590 --> 00:10:01,370 Speaker 7: named Simon the Tanner. Peter will show you the way. 140 00:10:02,050 --> 00:10:06,079 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, 141 00:10:07,080 --> 00:10:12,599 Speaker 1: but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose 142 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:14,420 Speaker 1: and shouted for his attendants. 143 00:10:15,140 --> 00:10:18,200 Speaker 5: Men, I need you to go to Joppa. Find me 144 00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:19,900 Speaker 5: a man of God named Peter. 145 00:10:20,610 --> 00:10:22,970 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea. 146 00:10:24,070 --> 00:10:28,600 Speaker 1: The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after 147 00:10:28,679 --> 00:10:34,440 Speaker 1: days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships 148 00:10:34,500 --> 00:10:37,300 Speaker 1: coming in and out of the port were much larger 149 00:10:37,340 --> 00:10:39,730 Speaker 1: than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. 150 00:10:41,490 --> 00:10:43,690 Speaker 1: As a boy, he wondered what it would be like 151 00:10:43,730 --> 00:10:49,290 Speaker 1: to sail the Mediterranean to lands unknown. They were only 152 00:10:49,330 --> 00:10:55,679 Speaker 1: dreams back then. However, after following Jesus, Peter realized that 153 00:10:55,940 --> 00:11:00,300 Speaker 1: nothing was impossible. He tried to pray a prayer of 154 00:11:00,350 --> 00:11:04,070 Speaker 1: thanksgiving to God, but an ache in his stomach kept 155 00:11:04,110 --> 00:11:05,150 Speaker 1: him from concentrating. 156 00:11:07,429 --> 00:11:08,709 Speaker 6: Oh, Lord, I'm hungry. 157 00:11:09,429 --> 00:11:12,290 Speaker 4: Peter turned back to the man hosting him. Is there 158 00:11:12,370 --> 00:11:15,350 Speaker 4: any way I could get something to eat? My journey 159 00:11:15,410 --> 00:11:19,510 Speaker 4: seems to be catching up with me. I feel lightheaded. 160 00:11:20,550 --> 00:11:23,120 Speaker 2: Don't worry. I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 161 00:11:23,540 --> 00:11:26,320 Speaker 4: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 162 00:11:26,870 --> 00:11:30,230 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. 163 00:11:31,270 --> 00:11:34,550 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of 164 00:11:34,630 --> 00:11:38,350 Speaker 1: salt air seasoned with the faint smell of fish and 165 00:11:38,410 --> 00:11:45,040 Speaker 1: damp wood. It was a pleasant and familiar smell. Peter 166 00:11:45,100 --> 00:11:50,420 Speaker 1: felt his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He 167 00:11:50,460 --> 00:11:53,260 Speaker 1: leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. 168 00:11:54,760 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 1: The soothing noise of the ocean faded, and all was silent. 169 00:12:01,330 --> 00:12:05,490 Speaker 1: Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no 170 00:12:05,530 --> 00:12:09,730 Speaker 1: longer on the roof, but standing on a grassy hill, 171 00:12:10,470 --> 00:12:15,700 Speaker 1: gazing at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions 172 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:21,709 Speaker 1: of lights, twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. Suddenly, 173 00:12:22,650 --> 00:12:26,740 Speaker 1: the lights moved toward one another, converging in one space, 174 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:32,820 Speaker 1: then exploding. The heavens opened up, and a burst of 175 00:12:33,020 --> 00:12:39,020 Speaker 1: light threw the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched with fear. 176 00:12:40,440 --> 00:12:45,760 Speaker 1: Peter saw something like a great sheet descending from the heavens, 177 00:12:46,510 --> 00:12:49,670 Speaker 1: being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 178 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:56,400 Speaker 1: On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds. 179 00:12:58,110 --> 00:13:01,130 Speaker 1: Then Peter heard a voice boom from the heavens. 180 00:13:01,890 --> 00:13:05,330 Speaker 6: Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 181 00:13:05,870 --> 00:13:09,670 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none 182 00:13:09,690 --> 00:13:14,150 Speaker 1: of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses 183 00:13:14,210 --> 00:13:17,440 Speaker 1: forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. 184 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:22,120 Speaker 1: He thought the command might be a test to see 185 00:13:22,179 --> 00:13:24,059 Speaker 1: if he would follow the law when hungry. 186 00:13:24,780 --> 00:13:28,050 Speaker 4: No, Lord. I can't eat these animals. I can't eat 187 00:13:28,410 --> 00:13:30,410 Speaker 4: anything common or unclean. 188 00:13:30,850 --> 00:13:35,110 Speaker 6: What God has made clean, do not call common. 189 00:13:35,630 --> 00:13:39,840 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was 190 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:44,860 Speaker 1: rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and 191 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:49,170 Speaker 1: opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on 192 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:52,920 Speaker 1: the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out 193 00:13:52,960 --> 00:13:53,400 Speaker 1: at the sea. 194 00:13:54,160 --> 00:13:58,760 Speaker 4: What God has made clean do not call common? What 195 00:13:58,800 --> 00:13:59,439 Speaker 4: does this mean? 196 00:13:59,880 --> 00:14:05,179 Speaker 1: Peter rubbed his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His 197 00:14:05,260 --> 00:14:10,679 Speaker 1: vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger 198 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:15,550 Speaker 1: in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about 199 00:14:15,590 --> 00:14:21,060 Speaker 1: the meaning of his visions. In his prayers, Peter heard 200 00:14:21,340 --> 00:14:25,620 Speaker 1: from the Holy Spirit. Three men were looking for him. 201 00:14:26,580 --> 00:14:31,020 Speaker 1: When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter 202 00:14:31,080 --> 00:14:33,580 Speaker 1: saw three men standing. 203 00:14:33,200 --> 00:14:33,680 Speaker 5: At the gates. 204 00:14:34,300 --> 00:14:36,940 Speaker 4: Okay, Lord, what do you have next? 205 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:40,260 Speaker 1: Peter descended the stairs and approached the men. 206 00:14:40,820 --> 00:14:43,320 Speaker 4: How may I help you, gentlemen? We are looking for 207 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,660 Speaker 4: a man of God named Peter. We are told he 208 00:14:45,680 --> 00:14:47,760 Speaker 4: may be lodging here. Where are you looking at him? 209 00:14:48,950 --> 00:14:51,970 Speaker 4: Why have you come? We've come here from Caesarea on 210 00:14:52,010 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 4: behalf of Cornelius, centurion over the Italian cohort. We know 211 00:14:56,510 --> 00:14:59,120 Speaker 4: what you might be thinking. Why would a Gentile be 212 00:14:59,220 --> 00:15:03,540 Speaker 4: asking for you? But Cornelius is a God-fearing man who 213 00:15:03,580 --> 00:15:06,840 Speaker 4: is beloved among the Jewish people in the region. You 214 00:15:06,880 --> 00:15:08,780 Speaker 4: still haven't told me why he summoned me. 215 00:15:09,300 --> 00:15:12,070 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much 216 00:15:12,170 --> 00:15:16,450 Speaker 1: detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed 217 00:15:16,630 --> 00:15:20,160 Speaker 1: crazy to them. but they didn't know who they were 218 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:20,700 Speaker 1: talking to. 219 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 4: He claims an angel told him to find you. 220 00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:27,210 Speaker 5: This angel told him that you have something to tell 221 00:15:27,250 --> 00:15:28,590 Speaker 5: him and his household. 222 00:15:29,170 --> 00:15:35,630 Speaker 1: Peter smirked, eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on 223 00:15:35,690 --> 00:15:36,090 Speaker 1: the move. 224 00:15:38,460 --> 00:15:39,040 Speaker 4: Lead the way. 225 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:43,640 Speaker 1: Peter summited a small hill overlooking the road to Caesarea. 226 00:15:44,660 --> 00:15:48,430 Speaker 1: A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied him. as 227 00:15:48,470 --> 00:15:52,810 Speaker 1: they followed the three Gentile servants into the city. As 228 00:15:52,890 --> 00:15:56,810 Speaker 1: Peter scanned the city below, he thought about his vision. 229 00:15:57,190 --> 00:16:01,450 Speaker 6: What God has made clean, do not call common. 230 00:16:02,070 --> 00:16:06,880 Speaker 1: Custom forbade Jews to eat with Gentiles. But here Peter was, 231 00:16:07,420 --> 00:16:11,600 Speaker 1: sharing the road with Gentiles, to be hosted by Gentiles, 232 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:18,560 Speaker 1: and not just any Gentiles. The household of an esteemed centurion. 233 00:16:18,410 --> 00:16:22,590 Speaker 4: Tell me more about this centurion. Well, he's not like 234 00:16:22,630 --> 00:16:26,080 Speaker 4: other men in his position. While most other centurions crave 235 00:16:26,120 --> 00:16:30,820 Speaker 4: more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for. 236 00:16:31,060 --> 00:16:35,760 Speaker 1: The servants trailed off, searching for the right words. Righteousness, 237 00:16:36,300 --> 00:16:40,640 Speaker 1: Peter whispered, remembering the words of his master years ago. 238 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:45,140 Speaker 2: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 239 00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:46,880 Speaker 2: they shall be filled. 240 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:51,520 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Caesarea, marching 241 00:16:51,580 --> 00:16:57,320 Speaker 1: past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered 242 00:16:57,340 --> 00:17:02,260 Speaker 1: the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. 243 00:17:03,820 --> 00:17:08,870 Speaker 1: Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. 244 00:17:10,390 --> 00:17:13,170 Speaker 1: No devout Jew would be caught dead in the home 245 00:17:13,210 --> 00:17:19,150 Speaker 1: of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions 246 00:17:19,310 --> 00:17:23,899 Speaker 1: entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. 247 00:17:25,200 --> 00:17:29,419 Speaker 1: He wore Roman robes with Caesar's seal pinned to the sash. 248 00:17:30,760 --> 00:17:34,780 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been 249 00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:39,659 Speaker 1: conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he 250 00:17:39,700 --> 00:17:44,830 Speaker 1: was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked 251 00:17:44,950 --> 00:17:49,119 Speaker 1: up at the sight of Peter. His shoulders swung back, 252 00:17:49,820 --> 00:17:53,909 Speaker 1: and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for 253 00:17:53,950 --> 00:17:59,889 Speaker 1: an attack. But instead, Cornelius ran forward and fell at 254 00:17:59,970 --> 00:18:05,550 Speaker 1: Peter's feet. Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, 255 00:18:06,130 --> 00:18:10,359 Speaker 1: a man of power and prestige, bowed in front of 256 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 1: an uneducated Galilean Jew. 257 00:18:13,400 --> 00:18:16,280 Speaker 5: Praise you, Peter. Praise you for coming. 258 00:18:17,260 --> 00:18:22,520 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by 259 00:18:22,540 --> 00:18:23,050 Speaker 1: the shoulders. 260 00:18:23,740 --> 00:18:27,350 Speaker 4: No, no, please stand up. I'm a man just like you. 261 00:18:27,830 --> 00:18:30,649 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. 262 00:18:31,950 --> 00:18:34,410 Speaker 1: Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room, 263 00:18:35,320 --> 00:18:39,540 Speaker 1: but this centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was 264 00:18:39,600 --> 00:18:45,540 Speaker 1: broad-shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his throat, 265 00:18:46,280 --> 00:18:47,540 Speaker 1: and gestured to his family. 266 00:18:48,100 --> 00:18:51,720 Speaker 4: Come, gather round, for I believe the Lord has a 267 00:18:51,770 --> 00:18:52,950 Speaker 4: word for us all today. 268 00:18:53,550 --> 00:18:58,230 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard 269 00:18:58,330 --> 00:19:02,310 Speaker 1: cast a pleasant shadow over the group. He looked around, 270 00:19:03,369 --> 00:19:06,129 Speaker 1: realizing what God had been trying to show him. 271 00:19:07,010 --> 00:19:10,130 Speaker 4: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to 272 00:19:10,210 --> 00:19:15,550 Speaker 4: associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews... 273 00:19:15,740 --> 00:19:20,580 Speaker 4: You are all considered unclean. But God has shown me 274 00:19:20,619 --> 00:19:25,879 Speaker 4: that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So, when 275 00:19:25,900 --> 00:19:29,240 Speaker 4: your companion sent for me, I came without objection. 276 00:19:30,070 --> 00:19:31,530 Speaker 1: Peter gestured to Cornelius. 277 00:19:32,180 --> 00:19:34,750 Speaker 4: Now tell me, friend, why have you sent for me? 278 00:19:35,369 --> 00:19:39,570 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. He was leaning forward as 279 00:19:39,650 --> 00:19:42,690 Speaker 1: if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 280 00:19:43,290 --> 00:19:46,919 Speaker 5: Four days ago, About this hour I was praying in 281 00:19:46,960 --> 00:19:50,600 Speaker 5: my home. As I was praying, a man stood before 282 00:19:50,660 --> 00:19:54,340 Speaker 5: me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an 283 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:57,600 Speaker 5: angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you. 284 00:19:58,220 --> 00:20:02,939 Speaker 5: And now, I and my household are here in the 285 00:20:03,020 --> 00:20:07,129 Speaker 5: presence of God to hear what you have been commanded 286 00:20:07,190 --> 00:20:07,770 Speaker 5: to preach. 287 00:20:08,450 --> 00:20:08,990 Speaker 6: Amazing. 288 00:20:09,790 --> 00:20:14,189 Speaker 4: I guess God doesn't show partiality. Every nation who fears 289 00:20:14,230 --> 00:20:17,669 Speaker 4: him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 290 00:20:18,090 --> 00:20:22,400 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying. 291 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:25,720 Speaker 4: This is the word I have come to preach. It 292 00:20:25,800 --> 00:20:30,800 Speaker 4: is good news, and that news is peace. Peace through 293 00:20:30,820 --> 00:20:35,399 Speaker 4: a knowledge of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Many of 294 00:20:35,440 --> 00:20:39,470 Speaker 4: you have probably heard his name. He became famous famous 295 00:20:39,560 --> 00:20:43,280 Speaker 4: throughout Judea. He was a man of great works and healing. 296 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:47,840 Speaker 4: He cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. 297 00:20:48,900 --> 00:20:53,159 Speaker 4: God was truly with him. I and my companions are 298 00:20:53,220 --> 00:20:57,390 Speaker 4: witnesses of all that he did. But not all were 299 00:20:57,430 --> 00:21:01,310 Speaker 4: amazed by his words and words. He was put to 300 00:21:01,350 --> 00:21:07,409 Speaker 4: death on a cross. But God raised him from the 301 00:21:07,470 --> 00:21:11,420 Speaker 4: dead three days later We bore witness to his resurrection. 302 00:21:12,040 --> 00:21:15,760 Speaker 4: We ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. 303 00:21:17,020 --> 00:21:21,939 Speaker 4: He truly rose from the dead. Now we all testify 304 00:21:21,980 --> 00:21:25,030 Speaker 4: to his life. He has been appointed by God to 305 00:21:25,070 --> 00:21:28,160 Speaker 4: be judge of the living and the dead. 306 00:21:28,750 --> 00:21:32,050 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius, and said. 307 00:21:32,650 --> 00:21:35,790 Speaker 4: I've been told you are a God-fearing man and have 308 00:21:35,830 --> 00:21:40,260 Speaker 4: read the prophets. They bear witness that everyone who believes 309 00:21:40,320 --> 00:21:44,500 Speaker 4: in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 310 00:21:45,119 --> 00:21:50,330 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The Spirit of 311 00:21:50,430 --> 00:21:55,130 Speaker 1: God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. 312 00:21:56,970 --> 00:22:00,010 Speaker 1: The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 313 00:22:01,090 --> 00:22:04,170 Speaker 1: They began to speak in tongues and praise the Lord 314 00:22:04,230 --> 00:22:09,919 Speaker 1: with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in 315 00:22:10,000 --> 00:22:17,609 Speaker 1: amazement as uncircumcised Gentiles received Christ into their hearts and 316 00:22:17,650 --> 00:22:22,810 Speaker 1: immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to 317 00:22:22,850 --> 00:22:27,590 Speaker 1: make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ. 318 00:22:28,170 --> 00:22:33,060 Speaker 1: But now, something new was at work. Something that penetrated 319 00:22:33,150 --> 00:22:37,080 Speaker 1: through the walls of race, culture, class, or creed. 320 00:22:38,020 --> 00:22:41,250 Speaker 5: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord 321 00:22:41,390 --> 00:22:45,590 Speaker 5: Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 322 00:22:46,510 --> 00:22:48,470 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 323 00:22:49,190 --> 00:22:51,830 Speaker 4: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we 324 00:22:51,910 --> 00:22:56,859 Speaker 4: possibly withhold water for baptizing these people? They've received the 325 00:22:56,940 --> 00:22:57,720 Speaker 4: Holy Spirit. 326 00:22:58,500 --> 00:23:01,619 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down 327 00:23:01,700 --> 00:23:06,879 Speaker 1: to the water. They baptized them all, one by one. 328 00:23:09,030 --> 00:23:13,550 Speaker 1: The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come 329 00:23:13,730 --> 00:23:18,990 Speaker 1: in the form of God's Spirit. It didn't matter whether 330 00:23:19,060 --> 00:23:24,340 Speaker 1: he was a Gentile, a Roman, or a Centurion. He 331 00:23:24,540 --> 00:23:29,639 Speaker 1: hungered for righteousness, and God filled him. 332 00:23:31,920 --> 00:23:34,899 Speaker 3: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 333 00:23:34,940 --> 00:23:40,379 Speaker 3: they shall be satisfied. Jesus uses powerful imagery of hunger 334 00:23:40,490 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 3: and thirst to describe a deep, relentless longing for righteousness. 335 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:51,760 Speaker 3: This righteousness refers to a right relationship with God, a 336 00:23:51,840 --> 00:23:54,889 Speaker 3: life lived in accordance with His will, and a pursuit 337 00:23:54,950 --> 00:23:59,790 Speaker 3: of justice and holiness. Those who hunger and thirst for 338 00:23:59,830 --> 00:24:04,450 Speaker 3: righteousness are deeply aware of the brokenness in themselves and 339 00:24:04,510 --> 00:24:08,640 Speaker 3: in the world around them. They desire to see God's justice, mercy, 340 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:14,180 Speaker 3: and truth prevail. Jesus promises that those who earnestly seek 341 00:24:14,260 --> 00:24:20,190 Speaker 3: this righteousness will find true satisfaction in Him as their 342 00:24:20,270 --> 00:24:25,750 Speaker 3: deepest desires align with God's heart. Now, let's turn to 343 00:24:25,790 --> 00:24:31,369 Speaker 3: the story of Cornelius' conversion, found in Acts 10. Cornelius 344 00:24:31,430 --> 00:24:34,689 Speaker 3: was a Roman centurion known for his devout faith and 345 00:24:34,830 --> 00:24:40,119 Speaker 3: good deeds. Despite his status and nationality, which separated him 346 00:24:40,160 --> 00:24:46,169 Speaker 3: from the Jewish community, Cornelius earnestly sought after God. Cornelius' 347 00:24:46,230 --> 00:24:50,230 Speaker 3: life was marked by a genuine hunger and thirst for righteousness. 348 00:24:50,790 --> 00:24:53,590 Speaker 3: He was committed to prayer, acts of charity, and a 349 00:24:53,650 --> 00:24:57,510 Speaker 3: deep reverence for God. His earnest seeking led to a 350 00:24:57,550 --> 00:25:01,090 Speaker 3: divine encounter where God sent Peter to preach the gospel 351 00:25:01,109 --> 00:25:04,980 Speaker 3: to him and his household. In Acts 10, verses 44-48, 352 00:25:06,600 --> 00:25:10,639 Speaker 3: we see the culmination of this pursuit. While Peter was 353 00:25:10,680 --> 00:25:13,760 Speaker 3: still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all 354 00:25:13,800 --> 00:25:18,160 Speaker 3: who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come 355 00:25:18,180 --> 00:25:20,560 Speaker 3: with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy 356 00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:24,080 Speaker 3: Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles, for they 357 00:25:24,140 --> 00:25:28,640 Speaker 3: heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 358 00:25:29,070 --> 00:25:30,950 Speaker 3: Surely no one can stand in the way of their 359 00:25:30,970 --> 00:25:34,889 Speaker 3: being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit 360 00:25:34,970 --> 00:25:37,510 Speaker 3: just as we have. So he ordered that they be 361 00:25:37,570 --> 00:25:40,600 Speaker 3: baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked 362 00:25:40,650 --> 00:25:43,680 Speaker 3: Peter to stay with them for a few days. Cornelius' 363 00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:46,980 Speaker 3: hunger and thirst for righteousness were satisfied in the most 364 00:25:47,060 --> 00:25:51,820 Speaker 3: profound way. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit and 365 00:25:51,840 --> 00:25:55,780 Speaker 3: the full revelation of God's love and salvation in Jesus Christ. 366 00:25:57,420 --> 00:26:01,419 Speaker 3: How can we, like Cornelius, hunger and thirst for righteousness 367 00:26:01,560 --> 00:26:06,460 Speaker 3: in our everyday lives? First, it's about committing to prayer 368 00:26:06,640 --> 00:26:11,600 Speaker 3: and worship. Cornelius was a Gentile centurion and a high-ranking 369 00:26:11,640 --> 00:26:16,370 Speaker 3: official under Caesar. If anyone was too busy or surrounded 370 00:26:16,410 --> 00:26:21,310 Speaker 3: by too many distractions, it was Cornelius. Yet he still 371 00:26:21,410 --> 00:26:24,530 Speaker 3: found time to seek God. He carved out that time 372 00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:27,670 Speaker 3: like one would carve out time for breakfast and dinner. 373 00:26:29,140 --> 00:26:33,020 Speaker 3: Cornelius was devoted to prayer. we should make prayer and 374 00:26:33,060 --> 00:26:37,480 Speaker 3: worship central in our lives, seeking God's presence and guidance daily. 375 00:26:39,100 --> 00:26:42,440 Speaker 3: In that light, we see something within Cornelius' prayer life, 376 00:26:42,980 --> 00:26:47,500 Speaker 3: and that's seeking God's will. Sure, we may habitually pray, 377 00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:51,580 Speaker 3: attend church, and sing songs, but are we truly seeking 378 00:26:51,640 --> 00:26:55,800 Speaker 3: God's will? It's one thing to pray, God, this is 379 00:26:55,840 --> 00:26:58,720 Speaker 3: what I desire. Please give it to me. And another 380 00:26:58,760 --> 00:27:01,960 Speaker 3: thing to pray, God, What is it that you desire? 381 00:27:02,500 --> 00:27:05,160 Speaker 3: Please show me so that I can give it to you. 382 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:09,899 Speaker 3: Our hunger and thirst for righteousness should drive us to 383 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:14,939 Speaker 3: seek God's will in all areas of our lives. Cornelius' 384 00:27:15,000 --> 00:27:20,330 Speaker 3: story teaches us that God's righteousness is inclusive. At first, 385 00:27:20,490 --> 00:27:22,910 Speaker 3: Peter had to wrestle with a Gentile to gain such 386 00:27:23,109 --> 00:27:27,129 Speaker 3: intimate access to God. But that is what the gospel 387 00:27:27,190 --> 00:27:31,359 Speaker 3: is all about. Anyone who honestly seeks after God will 388 00:27:31,660 --> 00:27:37,360 Speaker 3: find Him. Jesus says in Matthew 7, verses 7 and 8, Ask, 389 00:27:37,460 --> 00:27:39,790 Speaker 3: and it will be given to you. Seek, and you 390 00:27:39,830 --> 00:27:43,070 Speaker 3: will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. 391 00:27:44,510 --> 00:27:48,810 Speaker 3: For everyone who asks, receives. The one who seeks, finds. 392 00:27:49,170 --> 00:27:52,040 Speaker 3: And to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 393 00:27:54,020 --> 00:27:56,080 Speaker 3: I know there's people in my life that I would 394 00:27:56,119 --> 00:27:59,660 Speaker 3: have never expected to repent, to give their lives to Jesus, 395 00:27:59,840 --> 00:28:03,840 Speaker 3: or to change for the better. In fact, I might 396 00:28:03,880 --> 00:28:06,379 Speaker 3: have been initially angry to learn they were teaching a 397 00:28:06,440 --> 00:28:11,160 Speaker 3: Bible study or leading ministry. But God transforms the lives 398 00:28:11,200 --> 00:28:15,350 Speaker 3: of those who seek Him, regardless of their pasts. We 399 00:28:15,369 --> 00:28:17,530 Speaker 3: should reach out to those who are different from us, 400 00:28:17,950 --> 00:28:24,180 Speaker 3: breaking down barriers and sharing God's love with everyone. Lastly, 401 00:28:24,380 --> 00:28:28,639 Speaker 3: and perhaps the most difficult, is to pursue holiness. To 402 00:28:28,700 --> 00:28:31,920 Speaker 3: hunger and thirst for righteousness is to pursue a life 403 00:28:32,080 --> 00:28:36,560 Speaker 3: of holiness. This means striving to live in a way 404 00:28:36,600 --> 00:28:39,780 Speaker 3: that is pleasing to God, repenting of our sins, and 405 00:28:39,840 --> 00:28:45,330 Speaker 3: seeking to grow in Christlikeness. As we reflect on Jesus' words, 406 00:28:45,750 --> 00:28:48,570 Speaker 3: blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 407 00:28:48,830 --> 00:28:53,270 Speaker 3: they will be satisfied. And the story of Cornelius' conversion 408 00:28:54,820 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 3: Let us strive to cultivate a deep yearning for God's 409 00:28:58,340 --> 00:29:03,920 Speaker 3: righteousness in our lives. May we seek Him earnestly, live justly, 410 00:29:04,860 --> 00:29:08,840 Speaker 3: and embrace the fullness of His love and truth. Let 411 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:11,400 Speaker 3: us pray for the strength and grace to be true 412 00:29:11,550 --> 00:29:15,810 Speaker 3: citizens of heaven, reflecting the character of Jesus in all 413 00:29:15,870 --> 00:29:19,830 Speaker 3: that we do. Thanks again for listening. If you haven't 414 00:29:19,850 --> 00:29:22,950 Speaker 3: yet followed or subscribed to our podcast, be sure to 415 00:29:23,010 --> 00:29:26,250 Speaker 3: do so. It makes sure you never miss an episode, 416 00:29:26,370 --> 00:29:29,020 Speaker 3: but it also helps us get discovered by more people. 417 00:29:29,960 --> 00:29:30,820 Speaker 3: Thanks for joining us.