No Partiality

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality. ~ Acts 10:34

This comes from one of my favorite New Testament stories: the story of Cornelius the centurion who, along with his family, is baptized by Peter. In fact, I think one of the most important stories of our Christian heritage.

It is on this story that really everything turns. It's in this story that the trajectory of "the people of the Way" moved toward global event.

There is no way to be emphatic enough about the outrageousness of a Roman Pagan military man being baptized as a follower of Christ.

No way to emphasize enough how outrageous Peter would have thought it was to break every Jewish law he loved by bringing Cornelius into the fold.

The entire Christian story shifts here.  Peter moves from being a man completely sure of his righteousness and the righteousness of his laws to being a man who baptizes the most outsider of outsiders and realizes that God shows no partiality.

No partiality.

Who might God be calling you to change your mind about? (this might go hand in hand with Paul's call yesterday to humility).

Who is the most outrageous person or persons you are being called to love?

Lord you know know partiality in your love. Move my heart and mind to love without partiality as well. Amen