Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Acts 10:34
A man – we will call him Mr. Johnson – who lived in a small rural community in Delaware had a deep prejudice against black people. When a black man named Samuel tried to buy a farm in the community, Mr. Johnson tried everything he could to prevent it, but failed. He resented the presence of a black family in the area, and opposed them, criticizing his neighbours for welcoming Samuel and his family. Samuel tried to be friendly with the Johnsons, but was given the cold shoulder. But all of that changed one day. Mr Johnson’s son was playing in the barnyard when a heavy wagon broke and fell on top of the lad. His father rushed to help, but was unable to move the heavy wagon. As he screamed for help, Samuel, who happened to be driving past with a load of feed, heard the cries for help. In a flash, he unhitched his horses from the load, rushed them to the scene of the accident, and used them to lift the wagon so Mr. Johnson could pull out his trapped son. Together, the two men carried the injured boy to the house, to be tended by his mother. With tears in his eyes, Mr. Johnson offered Samuel his hand, and apologized for being a respecter of persons.
In our text, Peter has learned that, when it comes to the Gospel, God is no respecter of who can hear and respond. We also need to understand this. But we also need to understand that God is no respecter of persons in any other matter, not just the Gospel. We need to be very careful that we do not make a difference where God does not make a difference, and that we do not draw lines where God does not draw lines.
Race is one area in which some people will separate themselves from others. Barriers of colour or ethnic background are raised where they ought not to be. Extremes lead to such abuses as slavery and the Nazi extermination of Jews, but they can also include forcing some people to the back of the bus or withholding hospitality that is extended to others. These are wrong. But we also see discrimination on the basis of social background, economic status, and on which side of the tracks people live. We can see such attitudes all around us, attitudes that have no place in the hearts of Christians. They certainly have no place in God’s Assembly! People from all types of backgrounds blend together in sweet harmony and fellowship in our appreciation of our Lord and what He has done for us. At least, that is the ideal. But is it the reality?
If our Lord is not a respecter of persons, we should not be either, if we would be like Him. -Jim MacIntosh