Be Like My Father Who Shows No Partiality
Scripture Passage: Acts 10-34-48 (NASB)
34 Opening his mouth, Peter said:
“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. 36 The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— 37 you yourselves know the thing that happened throughout Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things that He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40 God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
SUMMARY
Although Peter's continued the work of spreading the gospel to the Israelites, he was hesitant on its application to Gentiles in previous verses. However, when the Holy Spirit came upon Peter, he was certain that God is not one to show partiality. Salvation is not only for the Jewish people. The Spirit dwelled in him through his powerful message to the people that whether the circumcised or the Gentiles may receive the gift of the Spirit.
REFLECTION
What a powerful claim that our God is not of partiality. That explains the true meaning that God does not show favoritism. Even though the disciples were trained by the ministry led by Jesus which did not discriminate against Gentiles and his greatest commandment to love your neighbors, it was probably still foreign to them that a Gentile could get saved without following the Jewish laws. Their Jewish rules and customs were so natural to them, the disciples had to break a wall to accept salvation for all. How did it happen? By the power of the Holy Spirit. God broke down Peter's Jewish prejudices by the Spirit. Everyone in Cornelius' house was filled with complete salvation instantly speaking with tongues and exalting God.
APPLICATION
What do I tend to gear toward naturally? My own age groups, same ethnicity, similar socio demographic or similar professions? It is not easy to break down my comfort level to reach out to foreignness. But I will have to remember that I was the lost sheep once in this land and everything God provided me through my life by the help of those who probably thought of me as foreign. It is my turn to give and reach out. I am stepping in more in various ministries at church, and I get to connect with different groups from what I am used to. But it is just a start and I will continue to participate by reaching out to those in need.
PRAYER
Thank you God for including me as your precious child through your beloved son, Jesus. It was not my work or ability that you chose me but only by the grace through my faith in Christ, I am here proclaimed to be your child. Thank you God for reminding me again and breaking my limitation and using me for your work, Lord. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
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