Saturday, August 23, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Acts 10:34–48

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 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. 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; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 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. 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. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. (NRSV)

Reflection

My early business training included developing an “elevator pitch.” In the length of time it takes for a short elevator ride, we were to be able to pithily articulate what we do and what makes us particularly adept at it. Peter would have excelled at this exercise. In 212 words, he tells the story of Jesus. I am not good at elevator pitches. It would take me 200 words to tell you why I’m telling you about Jesus, then I’d stumble over using the exact right words and end up using too many words. You get the idea.

There is a short line at the beginning of this passage that seems to be an excellent elevator pitch start: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality.” God shows no partiality. It doesn’t matter my background, pedigree, education, economic status, worst trait, worst mistake, best attribute, race, gender, you get the picture: God doesn’t show bias or favoritism. Well, that changes everything.

It upends what I consider my role to be. It upends my possibilities and my responsibilities. God loves me. Even with all my flaws? God plans to use me. Even with my background? God expects me to bring about God’s kingdom. Even with all my quirks and shortcomings? God forgives me. Even knowing the worst of me? It says that I need to practice righteousness — not that I have to be perfectly righteous — just practice it.

Also, Peter starts with “I understand,” and if I really understand that God shows no partiality, then I had better live like that too and let go of my prejudices and proclivity towards being judgy.

Prayer

God, thank you for your lack of bias and favoritism. Now I’m begging you to make it easier for me to live in the same way. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Opeprational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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