Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Talk Tuesday-Jesus Is For All People

Jesus came for the Jew, the Gentile, the rich, the poor, the sinner, the saint. His birth was the fulfillment of the promise God communicated through His servants, the Prophets. The words from Isaiah 7:14 is confirmed in Matthew 1:22-23, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us').” When Jesus' birth was announced to the shepherds tending their flock in the fields nearby, the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord,” Luke 2:10-11. These words were spoken at the birth of the Saviour. Many words were spoken after His death and resurrection.

Peter and the disciples received the promised Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended into heaven. In the book of Acts Chapter 10, we meet a Gentile named Cornelius. The Bible describes him as 'devout and God-fearing', a man who 'gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly,' (Acts 10:2). An angel of the Lord appeared to him, saying, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter,” Acts 10:4-5. The Lord showed Peter all manner of unclean animals, according to Jewish custom, in a vision. He said, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat,” Acts 10:13.

When Peter finally arrived at Cornelius' home, there was a large gathering of Gentiles, to whom he said, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean,” Acts 10:28. Upon hearing of Cornelius' visitation by the angel, Peter said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.  You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,” Acts 10:34-36. The Bible says that while Peter was speaking to Cornelius and his people, “...the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God,” Acts 10:44-46.

This CHRISTmas let us remind ourselves and those around us that JESUS came for all people.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's so encouraging to know that Jesus didn't come for the righteous but for sinners.