“God Shows No Favoritism!”(Acts 10:34-43).
The conversion of Cornelius is more about the conversion of Peter. In those early days of Christianity the apostles limited their evangelization to Jews only. In a vision Peter was hungry, yet refusing what was lowered for him to eat because they were impure. A voice told him,“Do not call anything impure that God has made pure.” It was then that he was invited to the home of Cornelius, a righteous and God fearing man respected by all the Jewish people(Acts 10:1-33).
In the home of Cornelius Peter confessed,“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right…You know…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went about doing good and healing…We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews…They killed him…but God raised him on the third day…He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen…He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the One whom God appointed as the judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
For our reflection this morning:
- God is impartial. He accepts whoever from wherever so long as the one fears God and does what is right.
- Jesus was killed, but God raised him on the third day.
- Those who are witnesses to his resurrection are those “whom God had already chosen. Even today only those with eyes of faith can experience the risen Christ.
- The Christ empowers those who have seen him to preach and testify that he is the one through whom salvation comes.
- Lastly, it has been established of him that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Therefore, fear God and do what is right and God in Christ will accept you.
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me to fear God, to do what is right; to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.