Then Peter began to speak to them: “I
truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears
him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34-35
As Peter met with the centurion
Cornelius (Acts 10) and saw the evidence of the Spirit’s work in his life he
was compelled to proclaim that God shows no partiality among people. This was a remarkable statement that was
pivotal for the development of the Christian church. Prior to this moment, the early Christians
were all Jewish in background. As
faithful Jews they knew that God had formed a special relationship with
them. God had a chosen people, people
who had a covenant with God that was not available to other groups.
When Peter sees God’s work in Cornelius,
he comes to understand that God shows no partiality—God has a deep desire to be
in relationship with all people, everywhere.
The implications have had a profound and lasting effect and cannot be
overestimated. The successful missionary
work among the Gentiles flowed from this understanding, and continues today as
the Christian faith flourishes in all cultures, languages, and locations. Peter, moved by the Spirit, saw that God’s love
was inclusive not exclusive; God’s love was for all people not some
people; that the boundaries of who is in and who is out are now obliterated.
We see the inclusivity of God in Jesus’
ministry as he seeks out the lost, the marginalized, the forgotten, and the invisible. Jesus spends time with sinners, prostitutes,
and tax collectors. He touches lepers,
breaks purity laws, and heals on the Sabbath (cf. Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew
12:1-14, etc.The Letter v. Spirit of the law) all to share God’s love with those who have felt excluded.
The inclusive love of God tells each of
us that we matter to God and are loved just as we are. This is good news for us and for the world,
good news worth getting excited about as the Ethiopian Eunuch does in Acts 8:
As they were going along the road, they came to
some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me
from being baptized?” Acts 8:36-37
The eunuch was excluded from worship in
the temple and was socially marginalized.
But when hearing of the story of Jesus and God’s amazing love and grace
and being included in God’s kingdom, he is so excited and filled with joy that
he cannot wait to be baptized. The exuberance
of being included changed his life forever.
May we too see that we are included in God’s love and that all people,
everywhere are as well. May have the strength and courage to live our lives
accordingly.
Posts
1 comment:
Thank you for posting these reflections, Pastor Ben! Unable to attend on Wednesdays lately, but appreciate being able to connect with the study through your blog.
Post a Comment