SCRIPTURE: Acts 11:1-18
“Even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18)
Can you think of someone that you would be surprised if they repented?
Someone so immoral, so impossibly stubborn or so different?
What stands out for me here is the words ‘God has granted repentance’.
Literally ‘given’, God has given them repentance, the response that leads to life.
God is not limiting Himself to the ones we think are good enough, or acceptable.
God is working in people of other faiths, traditions, cultures, races, practices.
This is why Paul urges prayers to be made for ALL people: “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people… this is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
God loves all people, because He is their Creation Father, and they are His creation children.
That makes everyone our creation brothers and sisters, in need of God’s mercy (like me).
May I be as open to others, as God is.
May God grant me repentance for my closed and unloving heart.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the gift of love and mercy for all people. Help me to see that I am no better or worse than anyone else, that I need You just as much as… THEM!!!
Observation/Application
The Great Commission was given before His ascension and yet . . . when it was to happen for all peoples, we the people judged and were like the religious leaders when Christ lived among them. The Word of the Lord comes to pass and that Word is for ALL people – grace for ALL and not just those people we accept. Just as Christ moved among the ‘outcasts’ so too today we must do the same. God loved the world, even those who are ‘different’ than us. Look at the people Jesus rubbed shoulders with. And we/I must do the same for He loved the world – as the children’s song says – yellow black and white they are precious in His sight . . . . not just by my ways and traditions but open to all who desire to follow because His grace is sufficient. Christ is for all who desire Him and I must be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block for others to worship Him.
Am I a soldier of the cross?
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own his cause?
Or blush to speak his name?