At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. Cornelius and all his family were faithful and worshiped God. He gave freely to people who were in need. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” (Acts 10:1-3)
As a centurion in the Italian Regiment, Cornelius was a commander of the Roman troops that occupied Israel. He was a Gentile and uncircumcised. A short time ago, Peter wouldn’t have spoken to him. God promoted Cornelius because he worshipped Him, gave to others, and prayed. He adopted the Jewish custom of praying at three in the afternoon. At that time an angel visited him.
Jesus tells us that He calls His sheep by name. (John 10:3) God’s messenger angel calls Cornelius by name, indicating that Jesus wants to guide Cornelius to himself.
Jesus also calls you by name. He doesn’t care if you’re uncircumcised or baptized, aren’t a churchgoer, and haven’t prayed in His name, He’s calling you to an intimate relationship with himself, so you can know His love and pass it on.
Father God, I praise you for loving me. I want an intimate relationship with Jesus. Help me remember to praise and worship daily and pray throughout the day. Let me know your perfect love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
A relationship becomes more personal if you know someone’s name. I believe Jesus/God knows all of our names as we know theirs, so that we can have a more personal and intimate relationship with them.
Not only does He know our names, He knows everything about us even the number of hairs on our heads. (Matthew 10:30) I feel sorry for those who don’t know Jesus personally because they are missing out on so much joy.