Acts 10:34-43 NLT
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
***********************************
What we want is an impartial judiciary. The world needs honest people who know right from wrong and will execute judgment without falling prey to bribes.
Often it seems the rules only apply to the poor and the weak. Jobs, contracts, support, relief, and assistance in some cities is only available for the friends and family of the powerful. Nepotism, cronyism, inequality, and inequity abound in the world. Such behaviour is rife in nearly every culture, state, political party and religion.
In this global current and historical context it is good news that God does not show favoritism. The good news is that every human is welcome and equally welcome.
There is forgiveness for anyone who believes in Jesus.
No longer are we trapped by our sin and under the wrath of God. Jesus makes peace with God for us. We don't have to be rich. We don't have to be of noble birth. It is not required for us to be of a particular nation. All educational backgrounds are qualified. No past record can prohibit us from fearing God and trusting in Jesus. We don't have to save up or establish a credit record and previous experience isn't necessary.
Jesus is for everyone. Jesus is for you. Jesus is for your enemies. Jesus is for your boss. Jesus is for your neighbours. Jesus is for the fat cat. Jesus is for the oppressed and the down and outter. Jesus is for the corrupt bribe taking oppressive government official being rich of the poor.
Thankfully, this good news isn't exclusive.
Reconsider who you need to tell. Tell the unlikely.
Who are you keeping the good news from? Who have you excluded? What class isn't on your radar?
The gospel is classless, and cross generational.
Who will you tell.
