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I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are Acts 10; 2 Chronicles 19; Job 34; Psalm 20; Ezekiel 4.
Acts 10:34-43
Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of 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 to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been 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 appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
“Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28). The favoritism of these parents caused significant trouble for their children. The brothers fought and deceived each other, with Jacob tricking Esau out of his blessing, leading to years of estrangement. They reconciled after many years, but their relationship remained complex, suggesting lingering tension. Playing favorites causes great trouble.
Can you imagine if God played favorites as is supposed by some? I think of those who tie God’s favor to a certain political bent, or religious expression (not faith)? Actually I think that is exactly what is playing out in many Muslim countries. There is a clear sense of God’s favor attached to the true followers of Islam. The Qur’an describes Muslims as a favored community due to their adherence to Islam. This favor is conditional on righteousness.
Contrast that with God’s love and grace for all through Jesus. God loved the world (before the redemption of Jesus) and gave his Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations – not just a favored group, culture, or nation. God’s impartiality extends to both blessings and judgment, emphasizing fairness across all humanity.
You don’t get a bye because you’re a Lutheran, Texan, pastor, or Sunday School teacher. You don’t get to the front of the line because you’re a disciple. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Jesus commands that his followers put themselves at the end of the line, and show no partiality to any group, nation, or culture. We are to do good to all people as a reflection of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love for all people.
I like to say, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with any penitent sinner and together we can rejoice that God does not play favorites.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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