Dear Friends,
We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk. We give thanks to Rev. Richard Giesken, Associate Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Missiology, for writing this devotional.
You are welcome to share this and include it in your church newsletters if you wish; we just ask that you please give credit to NTC and the author. Thank you!
Acts 10: 34-43
34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
Devotional
As we enter Holy Week - reflecting on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, and anticipate the joyous celebration of his resurrection - we are reminded that Jesus had a mission: to reconcile all creation to God.
At some level, we all know what it means to feel excluded or alienated—sometimes from one another, and ultimately from God. Peter’s experience in this passage shows the extent of Jesus’ mission to bring healing to the fractured human family. Peter had drawn his circle of inclusion way too small. His background and tradition had taught him that the Roman family before him was outside the promises of God. But as Peter preached and the Roman centurion responded to the Gospel, the Holy Spirit was poured out on him and his household, including them in the ever-increasing circle of grace – convincing Peter that “God shows no partiality.”
This week, Christians around the world will reflect again on the foundations of our faith: that those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are forgiven and called into a transforming relationship through the Holy Spirit. Jesus not only saves us from personal sin; he saves us for a purpose – to be his witnesses, to serve and love others, and act as agents of mercy and justice in a hurting world.
As we move through Holy Week to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us remember that God’s forgiveness is available to all ALL people without exception – and that forgiveness transforms the life of those who believe, and those who are transformed are included in the mission of God - to heal the creation, mend what is broken, and embody the good news of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for the grace that we have discovered through Jesus. May our lives be so transformed by the power of your forgiveness that our witness and work in you will bring hope and healing to those we encounter. As we remember and reflect again on the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus this Holy Week, fill us with your Spirit to embody your Gospel. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Richard Giesken
Associate lecturer (Biblical Studies and Missiology)