Eccl. 10-12
Solomon launches into what seems to me to be a random string of Proverbs (wise sayings). I have no idea the connection or meaning in any of it, but I do like Ecclesiastes 11:5-6. “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” I don’t know if Solomon meant these two verses as one cohesive thought or if they are two separate things, but I like them together.
The first verse, along with much of the rest of this book (and the Bible in general, for that matter) tells me that the ways of God are a mystery. They are far too great for me to know. And the second tells me to do what is before me to do, because I cannot know what will work out and what won’t. Together, they tell me that I cannot know what God will choose to do with my efforts.
I tend to like to have things at least somewhat figured out before I dive into something. I want to be able to see a potential outcome; to have some idea of my chances with something. This allows me some amount of certainty that I will see some degree of positive results. The reality, however, is that the only thing certain in life is uncertainty. We cannot know what we cannot know. Which brings me back to seeking and obeying God, who knows all things and cares for those who love Him. “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl 12:13)
Acts 10:24-48
I wonder how Cornelius came to be a God-fearing Gentile? Jesus was in Caesarea a lot – perhaps Cornelius had some dealings with Him or was at least familiar with His work somehow. Clearly, something had already made him a believer. As Peter came to understand, “…God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him” (Acts 10:34b-35). So I don’t think God sent Peter to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to this group of gentiles. I believe Peter was sent to bring them the Holy Spirit, which in turn opened the door for the Holy Spirit to be received by any who professed true faith in God. A similar thing happened in Samaria a couple of chapters ago. God used Peter to open the door to the Holy Spirit for them as well.
This was all according to what Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost, when they were gathered together in Jerusalem. They began to preach in Jerusalem that very day. Stephen’s stoning launched the active persecution of the Church, scattering the believers to Judea and to Samaria. Because the Samaritans were not Jews, Peter, as God’s chosen “key”, went and brought them the gift of the Holy Spirit. And, finally, through this encounter between Peter and Cornelius, the Holy Spirit went out to the ends of the earth. Aren’t God’s ways amazing?