April 14, 2023

Today's Reading: Acts 10:34-43

Daily Lectionary: Ex 18:5-27, Heb 12:1-24

 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality”  Acts 10:34

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Christ is risen! Inclusion is a trendy word today and is constantly shoved in front of our faces.  There is nothing wrong with inclusivity, but the world’s views often seem one-sided.  If one group wants the freedom to live their own life, even if it's against God’s law, then we, as Christians, rarely are included in confessing what we believe.  We’ve gotten wrapped up in this for sure.  We have all worried about our words, actions, and social media posts and if they fit the need for inclusivity. Acts 10 today speaks volumes about our Christian call to love others without discrimination; too often, we make distinctions between them and us or classify some people as worthier than others before God.  God certainly shows no partiality concerning His Law and Gospel, and these gifts are not only for us but also for the life of the whole world. 

Today Peter begins his discourse with the profound declaration: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” By saying this, he affirms that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile – God looks at everyone equally. He then recounts how a vision he received showed him three times that foods once deemed “unclean” according to Jewish tradition were acceptable offerings to God. As the body of Christ today, we can recognize all people as part of God’s creation and the people for whom Jesus died. As one confesses their sins against God’s all-inclusive Law, there is all-inclusive forgiveness for everyone, no matter their sins.   “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Salvation is available to all people – because Christ died for the sins of the whole world, every last one of them, committed by everyone.  

So, yes, be inclusive, but be inclusive of what our Lord teaches us.  “Love your neighbor as yourself,” “Pray for your enemies….” Each person was made by our loving Creator and deserved respect regardless of whether they know Him. Yet we also pray that many more may be turned to repentance to receive the all-inclusive savior who died for all and rose for all so that we might have life to the fullest.  Christ is risen!  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

All are redeemed, both far and wide,  Since Thou, O Lord, for all hast died.  Grant us the will and grace provide  To love them all in thee!   LSB 852 vs. 4

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Jonathan Lackey is an LCMS seminarian.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.