Not For Some

Acts 10:34-43

First and foremost let me put into context the use of the word "fear" as used in this passage. The Greek word used is phobeō which has 3 distinct definitions: to scare away; to be afraid of; and to show reverence to. Because I don't believe that God is so frightening as to scare people away, nor do I believe that God is one to be afraid of, I can say with certainty the definition used here by the author of Acts is "to show reverence to".

When we show reverence to something we treat it differently. This may not be a good example, but it's the only one I can come up with: think about how a pallbearer carries their loved ones. It's as though they become a part of something greater than them while at the same time understanding they are separated from it. There's a deep understanding by those chosen to bear their loved ones that the duty they perform demands from them complete participation of their bodies, minds, hearts, and souls.

This is the kind of "fear" Peter is talking about as he speaks to those gathered about a God who has given Jesus to and for all people. According to Peter, Jesus "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed." Jesus didn't pick and choose which ones to heal. Jesus didn't ask anyone to fill out an application and list their qualifications, then make an appointment for an interview. No, Jesus came to this world to be with, eat with, travel with, laugh with, cry with, and heal all.

With this in mind, it becomes our duty as Christians to do the same. Jesus did not judge who was or was not worthy of his presence. Jesus showed what the true love of God is by accepting all people as the people they were and for the place they were along their life's journey. Shouldn't we do the same?

There is no better way to be a healing presence than to simply love people without condition. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have treated as close friends those whom society outcasts. I don't begin these conversations with, "Hi, I'm a Christian." or, "Are you saved?" I usually begin with, "Hi, my name is Randy. How are you today?" Then I sit and listen.

It isn't easy to be this way, it took a lot of inner change; change that came about because somewhere along the way someone came to me and said, "Hi, my name is...How are you today?" and listened. I've heard it said that every time we meet another person we have a chance to place a pearl on their necklace or a rock in their path. Jesus laid nothing but pearls. Let us do the same.