“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’” – Acts 10:34-35
It’s always been God’s will and plan to draw for Himself a people from every tribe, language, people group and nation (see for example Genesis 12:1-3). However, throughout history, God’s people have often been a bit slow to understand this. Even Peter, the leader of the early church, had been slow to realize that God intended His saving grace to be poured out on people from all over the world who would come to believe in Jesus.
Thankfully, God intervened to broaden Peter’s understanding of God’s mission. He sent Peter to preach to non-Jewish people and Peter saw them believe and receive the Holy Spirit. In so doing, God re-emphasized the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus gave His disciples.
Christians are to go throughout the world, to every pocket and place, nook and cranny, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples. We’re to share the words of life with people everywhere who are trapped in sin and death. As the Gospel penetrates their hearts and they yield their lives to Christ, we’re to welcome them into the faith with open arms, teaching them to follow the commands of Jesus.
The mission of God is relevant for every follower of Jesus. We each have roles to play in praying, giving, sending, going, and welcoming those heading out for missions and those from other nations who come to our community. Do you know how God’s called you to support His mission to the nations? Are you doing what He’s called you to do?