Christ is Risen!
Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9 • Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 • 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43 • John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8
"Then Peter began to speak to them: 'I truly understand that God shows no partiality...'" Acts 10:34
I have preached Acts 10 a number of times. It’s one of my favorite passages in all the Scriptures. I think it’s because I resonate so deeply with Peter and his arrogance in Acts. He’s so self-assured and cocky. He sees himself as so much better than others.
Right up until this moment.
It is here that Peter gets shocked into humility.
The ramifications of the resurrection come rushing into his mind and heart and nearly overwhelms him. You can almost see the reality dawning on his face as you read this story in the Scriptures.
God has called him to go with men to see the Gentile, Cornelius. So, Peter goes, but he is still wrapped up in his own self-righteousness. That is, until he sees the desire of the people in Cornelius' home to hear the Gospel.
Peter is left awe struck by the moment and tells them of the resurrection.
The resurrection is not for a select few.
The resurrection is not for the special.
The resurrection is not for the super spiritual.
The resurrection is for everyone!
Grace has broken into a world blanketed in shame and guilt and frees us.
God in perfect love and faithfulness has reconciled the world through the cross and the resurrection.
Christ is risen!