There is absolutely no one who is beyond the reach of God’s grace; not one lost sheep that cannot be found. There are no lost causes to God. This is an essential truth for us to understand as we seek to live like a Sent One.
The testimony of Nicky Cruz greatly influenced my coming to Christ. Nicky was the leader of one of the most feared gangs in New York City known for his cruelty and violence. A young preacher named David Wilkerson was sent to witness to Nicky despite initial rejection and threats to his life. Nicky surrendered his life to Jesus and became a powerful evangelist with a worldwide influence. Most people would have written Nicky off as a reprobate – beyond hope of salvation – but God had other plans.
Many Jesus followers were terrified of Saul the zealot Pharisee who was sent on a mission to destroy the Church. But God sent a disciple named Ananias who, in spite of his initial reticence, obeyed, ministered salvation to Saul and we know the rest of that story. Paul’s (Saul’s) testimony (1 Tm.1:16) is how God used him as an example of His longsuffering for all who would come after. Again, we must know that no one who bears the image of God, whether an Islamic terrorist, LGBQ identifier, or Tren de Aragua gang member is outside of God’s reach.
It troubles me when I hear people, who consider themselves Christ followers, categorically refer to other individuals and entire people groups as monsters, demons, animals and worse. This kind of rhetoric reveals a deep prejudice towards others and ultimately limits them from being God’s instrument to reveal His saving love and delivering power. If I hold prejudice towards “these kinds” of people, and consider them “unredeemable”, I cannot be an effective Sent One.
The essence of prejudice is to form an opinion, adopt an attitude or make a judgment that is not based entirely in truth. We have all done this either knowingly or involuntarily. We accept as true something about someone(s) that on the surface seems correct but does not consider all the facts. Prejudice is born from ignorance – not knowing the truth. Without knowledge that comes from God, understanding His purposes and seeing people as He sees them, we don’t know the complete truth. It becomes easy to form prejudices.
The Book of Acts chronicles the movement of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the world. Almost every chapter reveals Jesus followers overcoming significant obstacles to that mission starting with the prohibition of the religious Sanhedrin in Jerusalem; reaching the Samaritans (considered untouchables), the martyring of Stephen and terror of Saul, the radical persecutor of the church. Then, in chapter ten, the Church crosses the greatest chasm – preaching to the Gentiles.
Acts ten is one of the most transitional chapters of the Bible. To appreciate how profoundly transitional it is we must understand the insurmountable barrier of prejudice that existed between Jews and Gentiles. At this time, it was considered unlawful for Jews to socialize, eat or even enter the home of a Gentile who were generally considered unclean (common). This discrimination was on full display in the Old Testament with the story of Jonah. The Jewish prophet was sent to Nineveh, the pagan city known for their debauchery and human sacrifices. Jonah was raised to have nothing but contempt for Ninevites. So great was his disdain he resisted God’s mission, ran from it and initially chose death rather than obedience. When the evil Ninevites repented, Jonah was furious with God, and again, asked to die. Now, that is a strong prejudice! Peter, God’s chosen Sent One in Acts 10, was immersed into this Hebrew culture and inculcated with all its prejudices.
The drama played out in chapter ten is accented by two supernatural sendings. The first: God directing Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, through an angelic vision, to send for Peter. The instructions are emphatic and precise including Peter’s exact location many miles away. The next day the Lord appears to Peter with a symbolic vision accompanied by the epic revelation – God has removed the barrier between Himself and gentiles, everywhere, who believe and call on Him. The two significant sendings intersect as those sent from Cornelius now return to Caesarea (a Gentile city) with Peter who is sent to Cornelius. This entire incident is so dramatic it leaves no doubt of God’s intention to include Gentiles in His family. It is a turning point. Yet, none of it would have happened if Peter did not get past his cultural and religious prejudice.
“Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore, I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” Acts 10:28, 29
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:35, 36
God’s purpose prevailed over man’s prejudice! It took a special revelation from heaven, a divine sending, and a courageous, obedient disciple to propel the Kingdom of God to a greater dimension. This passage speaks to me, if I hold prejudice towards any person, group or thing, I limit how God can use me.
Before the Church was born and commissioned Jesus modeled how to overcome prejudice. He did not conform to social and religious taboos. He did not see like everyone else saw: the disciples saw multitudes with needs – Jesus saw lost sheep and harvest. Jesus freely socialized with sinners and did not shun those of sordid reputation; He accepted social outcasts like the Samaritan woman at the well; He ministered freely to and acclaimed the faith of a Gentile centurion; He never judged or condemned the people who seemed furthest away from God. As a Sent One, Jesus was constantly aware of His call and identity, “I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isa.49:6
Reflecting on Acts 10 I realize this historic breakthrough occurred when two people, from very different backgrounds, gave themselves to God in prayer. As an answer to prayer God gave Cornelius the courage to send for the messenger with the message of reconciliation. He gave Peter the definitive revelation of inclusion for all people in God’s family. Understanding this revelation opened his heart to risk reputation and the condemnation of peers to become a Sent One. It worked out very well. My big take away from this story is without prejudice, I can be sent to anyone, anywhere, any time. Here I am, Lord; Send me.
