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May 19

(Acts 10:33-35 NIV) “So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us." {34} Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism {35} but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

(Acts 10:44-48 NIV) “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. {45} The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. {46} For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, {47} "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." {48} So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."

(James 2:1-10 NIV) ““My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. {2} Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. {3} If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” {4} have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? {5} Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? {6} But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? {7} Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? {8} If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. {9} But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. {10} For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.””

Peter received God’s message. God does not show favoritism. The gospel was not just for the Jew, nor was it just for the rich and significant people of the world. The gospel is for everyone. God accepts those who seek Him from every nation and from every walk of life. If Christ does not show favoritism, the Church, the Bride of Christ, should not be found showing favoritism. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When God looks at people, He sees the soul. He does not see skin color, national origin, or income level. He doesn’t see suits and ties, or sandals and t-shirts. We should not be found doing so in our churches. It should not surprise us when the Spirit and blessing of God falls upon those who don’t look like they belong. The gospel is for everyone. Even you! Jesus died for the sins of the world. Even yours! The gospel is for all who will receive it. God does not show favoritism. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day