Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that 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. ~ Acts 10:35-36 (NLT)
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In every nation, He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right...
When you think of certain countries, your prejudice radar probably comes up in a heartbeat and goes "ding, ding, ding" -- am I right? Iran. Iraq. China. North Korea. Afganistan. These countries have issues with America and Western civilization, so we prickle when these nations come into focus. But guess what? God extends eternal life for anyone who fears Him and does what is right. Jesus is available to all who will believe in Him.
It was true in the Cold Wars days, as well. Cuba. Russia. Or how about in the days of World War II? Japan. Germany. We can turn our backs on people in times of war, favoring ourselves above them and even believing that God disfavors anyone opposed to the Land of the Free and the Brave. But in the towns and villages of every nation are souls that God loves. He extends His hand of forgiveness through His Son, Jesus, to each one, regardless of where they live, what regime they're under, or even what religion they've been accustomed to.
Jesus is the Land of the Free and the Brave. And His borders are open -- wide open -- to any and all who step over the line in faith. God is no respecter of persons; with Him, there is no favoritism. That is why the crowd in heaven is so massive and diverse...
After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a mighty shout,
“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
~ Revelation 7:9-10 (NLT)
All are guilty of sin, and all can receive forgiveness through Jesus. East and West, North and South. Asian and Anglo, African and Arabic. From the most free to the most oppressed. From the richest to the poorest. All are in chains, and Jesus has the key. He offers it to all nations, with the same love.
Oh, may we be like God, who sees the nations, not as political rivals but as people -- people in need of a Savior. Pray for the nations, that individuals will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, and know Him, the lover of their souls. May we be lovers of their souls, too.
Love,
Joelene
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