Favoritism

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. . . . Everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name. Acts 10:34-36, 43

BEFORE PETER WENT to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile among Gentiles, he thought that the gospel was just for his own people, the Jews. They saw themselves as insiders and everyone else as outsiders who didn’t deserve God’s good gift of salvation through Christ. What Peter did not yet understand is that God had given his Word to his people and poured out the Holy Spirit on his people so that they would take the good news of forgiveness of sins through Christ to people of every tribe and nation in the world. Peter’s experience with Cornelius was a breakthrough for him and for the rest of the church.

Throughout the Bible, we witness “insiders” presuming upon God because of the family they were born into. They assume that God will accept them even though they have no interest in repentance and belief. The same is true today. How many children grow up in Christian families and are involved in church yet have no interest in a life of repentance and belief? How many presume that God will show them favoritism when they are called to account? We need to help our children understand that they have been given a great privilege in having grown up hearing the gospel. But it must be responded to. God must be feared. The gospel must be believed.

Lord, you have poured out your blessing on our family by giving us your Word and allowing us to hear your gospel. But we don’t want to presume upon your goodness. Don’t let me or my children be lulled into complacency and presumption.

I pray that you would cause ________ to fear you and do what is right. There is peace with you for ________ through Jesus Christ. Protect her from presuming upon you for favoritism. Let her experience your grace and your mercy. May ________ hear your invitation and take hold of all that you have made available to those who put their belief in you.