Chosen
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Acts 10:34-48
34. And Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35. but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36. You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37. the word which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38. how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39. And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40. but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest; 41. not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42. And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43. To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." 44. While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45. And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46. For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47. "Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
This is kind of a long passage today, but I didn’t really know what to leave out! Peter opens his mouth and powerful, compelling words are broadcast to all who will listen. Peter has been called to the house of Cornelius—a Gentile. Of course, Gentiles and Jews did not associate at that time—the Jews felt the Gentiles were “unclean.” Cornelius has had a dream or a vision from the Holy Spirit to send for Peter. A crowd of Cornelius’ family is gathered around, curious to hear what Peter has to say about the whole situation.
Peter declares that we no longer should live by the “old rules.” That God’s grace is available to everyone because of Jesus Christ. Everyone. No longer are the Jews alone God’s chosen. All of us have the promise of eternal life in heaven because of the cross. Isn’t it amazing how history unfolds? God has such a perfect plan for us all! He uses the Holy Spirit to impart in us the “secret knowledge” that only He can impart!
And as Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon this family! They are speaking in tongues! Everyone gathered around Cornelius’ house – all the Gentiles – trying to figure out what in the world Peter is doing here hears them! They must have been incredulous! They must have been scratching their heads mumbling, “I thought we were the chosen? What’s up with this?"
We have the benefit of history and the scripture to tell us “what’s up.” God sent his precious son to earth, to walk among us. He laughed and cried. He sang and slept. He experienced loss and rejoiced at wedding parties. He was a man—yet more. He chose to be a man. He cast aside heaven for us! It is unimaginable! And it’s true!
Each of us is now God’s chosen because of Him! Christ died for you and me. And he died for everyone we have ever known or will ever meet in our entire lives. Serial killers and drug dealers. Tiny babies and ancient old men. Husband, wives, children, friends, lovers, parents. Everyone! He chose us. And he offers us Himself. When we accept Christ as our savior, we all are baptized into a great, expansive, peculiar and amazing family! We are the chosen. No one can stop us from declaring the good news!
I hope today you declare to everyone you meet that they are chosen. And that you will rejoice in being so valued, that the Holy Spirit imparted that truth deep within your mind, heart and soul.
Mary
